By Abigael Kibanga
Tomato prices in Nyamira have more than doubled since early May 2026 due to heavy rains disrupting supply chains and damaging crops in producing regions.
At Nyamira matatu stage, traders say the sharp increase has significantly reduced customer demand as many residents can no longer afford the staple ingredient.
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Diana Nyanchama, a tomato vendor who has operated in the market for six years, said she is now cautious about restocking because of slow sales and the risk of losses.
“I fear buying more stock because they may end up spoiling,” she said while arranging tomatoes at her stall.
Vendors say a 64-kilogram crate of tomatoes that previously sold for about KSh 4,500 now costs up to KSh 10,500, a rise of more than 100 percent.
The high prices have forced many households to seek alternatives such as tomato paste, while some consumers are opting to cook meals without tomatoes altogether.
“I have lost many customers. They come, ask the price, shake their heads and leave,” Nyanchama added.
Peninah Kerubo, a shopper at the stage, said the soaring prices have changed her cooking habits.
“These days I eat vegetables without tomatoes,” she said.
Traders blame poor harvests in major tomato-producing areas, with some citing prolonged drought while others point to heavy rains that have destroyed farms and reduced yields.
Transport costs have also increased, further pushing up prices as middlemen charge more to deliver produce to local markets.
Food vendors, who rely heavily on tomatoes for stews and sauces, are also feeling the pressure.
Some hotels and eateries have already adjusted food prices to cope with the rising costs.
“Almost every meal we cook needs tomatoes,” said Ruth Kemunto, a hotel owner near the market.
Despite frequent bargaining between buyers and sellers, many customers still leave the market empty-handed, unable to afford the produce.
Unsold tomatoes are often packed back into crates for the following day, though some spoil before they can be sold.
Sellers and buyers now hope that improved weather conditions and better harvests will soon stabilize supply and bring prices back down.
