Traders in Kisii town Daraja Mbili market have hiked tomato prices over what they have claimed as low supply of the product in the market.
In order to buy, buyers must go deep into their pockets.
Speaking at Daraja market, Jane Kwamboka a trader claimed that the heavy rains that have been experienced in the county are the reason behind the price hike because tomatoes were destroyed in the farms by the heavy rains.
"Most of our suppliers grow tomatoes in open farms and not under sheds. During the rains, the tomato crops were destroyed by the heavy rains. As at now the available supply of tomatoes is low and to meet the satisfaction of the customers we hike prices to cater for the production cost which is high to get at least a small profits," she said.
She added that one crate of tomatoes now retails at Sh4,500-6,500 from the initial Sh2,500 -3,500 depending on the species.
Customers should now put up with the situation until when we manage to get an adequate supply of the commodities," she remarked.
Previously, 5 good tomatoes cost Sh10 but now 5 of them of not so good quality retails at Sh20.