Residents of Nairobi and other Kenyan regions have been cautioned to prepare for potential increases in food prices as elevated transport costs continue to impact the nation’s supply chain.
Wholesale food traders from Wakulima Market, a prominent marketplace in the city, issued the alert on Saturday, pointing to recent fuel price hikes that they say have substantially increased transportation expenses for food products to the capital.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) recently adjusted petrol prices by Ksh46.29 per litre, while diesel prices were increased by the same amount. Kerosene prices remained unchanged.
Traders dealing with tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and cabbage reported that transporters are now spending nearly Ksh10,000 more per journey compared to previous months, a cost they anticipate will be transferred to consumers.
The traders observed that produce which typically sold within a day or two now takes up to a week to find buyers, likely due to reduced purchasing power among customers.
Transporters attributed the deteriorating conditions to the recent fuel price increases, especially the significant rise in diesel costs, which has markedly increased operational expenses for transport vehicles.
Diesel, the main fuel used by trucks transporting agricultural products throughout the country, makes this price surge particularly expensive for traders and distributors.
“My vehicle currently requires 100 litres of diesel, costing over Ksh20,000. The trip to Njoro is even more expensive, so we must increase prices to sustain our business,” one driver explained.
In addition to fuel costs, traders mentioned additional fees such as parking charges and county levies that further reduce their profits, putting many small enterprises at risk.
Potato prices are also expected to increase due to the various factors stemming from the latest fuel price adjustments.
A market survey revealed that the price of a bucket of potatoes has already risen from Ksh700 to Ksh800 because of higher logistics costs, despite customer hesitation to purchase at the new rates.
Tomato and onion traders also cautioned that consumers might soon face an additional Ksh20 per kilogram if fuel and transport expenses continue their upward trend in the coming weeks.
These concerns arise as transportation services across the country face disruptions following the announcement of a nationwide strike by stakeholders protesting the recent fuel price increases.