KITUI COUNTY – Kitui County has seen a significant decrease in food prices since last month, attributed to the abundant harvests by local farmers. The county has benefitted from the Elnino rains over the past four months, leading to a surplus in food commodities, particularly cereals, vegetables, and fruits.
According to Kenya News Agency, a survey of local food markets in the county revealed a noticeable reduction in prices. Mary Kasyoka, a cereals trader at Kalundu Market in Kitui township ward, linked the price drop directly to the increased supply from area farmers. Kasyoka noted that many local residents, who are both her customers and farmers, have begun supplying her with cereals, leading to a surplus in availability and a corresponding decrease in demand.
Kasyoka, also a mother of two, explained that many of her customers are now consuming and selling their farm produce, thus reducing their reliance on market purchases for basic food needs. David Muema, a local farmer, echoed these sentiments, stating his reliance on farming for income has been fruitful thanks to the recent rains.
Maria Mulinge, another resident and farmer, spoke to KNA about the diversity of her farm’s produce, which includes various vegetables and cereals like maize, beans, cowpeas, and pigeon peas. She expressed joy in being able to harvest fresh produce directly from her garden.
The report also highlighted specific price changes: the cost of onions has dropped from Sh160 to Sh130 per kilogram, tomatoes from Sh60 to Sh50, garlic from Sh600 to Sh550 per kilo, and fresh maize from Sh50 to Sh10 per piece. However, prices for commodities like green grams, millet, and sorghum have remained steady, selling at Sh120, Sh80, and Sh90, respectively.
Despite the positive development in lower food prices, cereals traders in Kitui town are facing challenges with storage due to the excess stock of maize resulting from diminished demand.