Kenyans are feeling the squeeze on their wallets as the prices of staple vegetables have surged, particularly affecting those who enjoy traditional dishes like kachumbari. According to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the price increases in vegetables are part of a broader trend that has seen a mixed bag of price changes across various food items.
In July 2024, the cost of tomatoes, a key ingredient in many Kenyan meals, rose by 28.7 percent. The price jumped from Sh76.7 per kilogram last year to Sh98 this year. Similarly, onions, essential for dishes like kachumbari, saw a significant price increase. The price per kilogram rose from Sh129.79 to Sh171.41, reflecting a notable hike that will likely impact household budgets.
Cabbages, another staple in Kenyan kitchens, recorded the sharpest price increase. The cost of a kilogram of cabbage surged by 46.1 percent, from Sh53.7 to Sh78.4. This sharp rise in vegetable prices is a notable concern for many households who rely on these basic ingredients for their daily meals.
Despite these increases, there is some relief for Kenyan consumers in other food categories. Sugar, for instance, experienced a substantial price drop of 22.3 percent, with a kilogram costing Sh164.42 compared to last year’s prices. White wheat flour also saw a decrease of 10.9 percent, now averaging Sh177.07 for a two-kilogram packet.
The most significant drop was observed in maize flour, a staple food for many Kenyans. The price of a two-kilogram packet of sifted maize flour fell by 35.8 percent, from Sh202.93 in July 2023 to Sh130.4 in July 2024. Fortified maize flour also saw a considerable reduction of 35.1 percent, costing Sh147.30 per two-kilogram packet. Additionally, the cost of loose maize grain decreased by 29.8 percent, averaging Sh60.16 per kilogram.
Overall, the general inflation rate for food items saw a modest increase of 5.6 percent year-on-year in July, consistent with the previous month’s rate. This stability in the broader food price index contrasts with the significant fluctuations seen in specific categories like vegetables.
In terms of other living costs, housing, water, electricity, cooking gas, and other fuels have risen by a modest 3.9 percent year-on-year. However, this category saw a slight decrease of 0.4 percent from the previous month. This minor adjustment suggests that while essential services and utilities have become somewhat more affordable, the increase in food prices, especially for vegetables, is having a more pronounced impact on household budgets.
In conclusion, the sharp rise in the cost of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cabbages is a significant concern for many Kenyan households, particularly those who rely on these staples for their daily meals. While there is some relief in the prices of other food items and a modest increase in living costs, the overall inflation in food prices underscores the need for ongoing attention to food security and cost-of-living adjustments.
