Residents in Kibera have decried high prices of charcoal as traders claim there is a shortage of charcoal.
Charcoal, which is mostly used during rainy seasons by residents, has become too costly in the area.
A spot check clearly shows that traders selling charcoal have increased prices. A tin of charcoal previously cost sh40 and now costs sh60.
Traders argue that their suppliers are the ones that have led to the increase of charcoal prices per.
“Previously when there was plenty of charcoal supply, a tin would even cost up to sh30 but due to the high cost of living as traders we are forced to sell at high prices to meet the purchasing cost as well make profits. A sack of 100 kg full of charcoal costs sh1600 and previously it cost sh1200,” said Gladys Auma, a trader.
Milka Atieno, a resident said that she opted to use her stove since she can afford to buy paraffin but she finds it hard using the stove when cooking food that takes long to get ready before consumption. She urged the traders to lower prices even if the cost of living has gone up.
“The traders know very well we use charcoal to cook beans and githeri. They have raised prices without knowing that as residents we find it hard to buy charcoal expensively. Every charcoal trader has taken the advantage and now they are selling charcoal at high prices in Kibera slums,’’ said Paul Miruka, a resident.