West Pokot County Faces Significant Onion Shortage, Prices Skyrocket

WEST POKOT, Kenya — Residents of West Pokot County are experiencing a significant increase in the price of bulb onions, commonly referred to as red onions, due to a supply shortfall in the local markets.

According to Kenya News Agency, the shortage has led to unprecedented retail pricing, with single bulbs now selling for Sh10, a rate not seen before the current market conditions.

The shortage has severely impacted both food vendors, who rely on the commodity for preparing salads for fast food consumers, and households accustomed to regular onion consumption. Historically, West Pokot has been a primary supplier of fresh red onions, benefiting from the conducive farming conditions in the Ortum areas of Kipkomo Sub County. However, the local supply has dwindled despite the persistent demand and the ongoing cultivation of the crop.

Mercy Cheruto, a local grocer, shared with KNA that the scarcity has been unusual compared to previous times when suppliers frequently encouraged market sellers to purchase their fresh produce. The current deficit is attributed to traders from other regions buying up the local supply directly from farmers at lower prices, leaving little for local market distribution. In response to the shortage, Cheruto has shifted to stocking green onions, which are more readily available but present challenges due to their shorter shelf life and differing consumer demand.

Similarly, Mercy Nekesa, another grocer, has ceased stocking red onions due to their scarcity and the reluctance of customers to accept higher prices. Like many others, she has substituted red onions with green ones, despite their higher perishability and lower demand.

The situation has led individuals like Priscillah Mnang’at to adapt by establishing kitchen gardens focused on green onions, which are easier to grow and maintain. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards self-sufficiency amidst market shortages.

The reduction in red onion availability underscores broader challenges in the agricultural supply chain and impacts the dietary habits of the local population. Onions are crucial to local cuisine and nutrition, offering health benefits such as improved heart health and blood sugar regulation. The current shortage in West Pokot not only affects culinary practices but also highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and local food security strategies.