A trader displays tomatoes at Daraja Mbili market. Residents have decried hiked tomato prices. (Photo/Dennis Chacha.)Tomato shortage has hit Kisii County as traders hike prices with the festive season around the corner.
A spot check at Daraja Mbili market in Kisii County showed that most traders have hiked prices on grounds that the demand is high with a low supply of the commodity.
Mary Oremo, a customer accused traders of exaggerating the prices, even with no apparent shortage.
“Traders have hiked prices with no reason. We are now forced to buy 3 tomatoes at Sh10 while in the past 5-6 tomatoes retailed at Sh10,” said Mrs. Oremo.
She also said the traders are selling poor quality tomatoes because they are too small in size.
Euniah Nyaming’a, a trader said the hike in prices is because the supply has gone down.
“Pests destroyed tomatoes in farms. We have to utilize what the supplies give to meet the high demand,” she said.
She added that once the supply increases, they will drop the prices as well.
Currently, three tomatoes retail at Sh10, while in July – August, 5 tomatoes were retailing at Sh10.