Potatoes remain one of the most preferred meals in Kenya and abroad, especially for making snacks such as chips, due to their soft nature and ease of cooking.
However, traders in Kakamega town have raised concerns over rotting potatoes before they reach customers. They suspect that excessive use of chemical fertilizers by farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet, where they source their produce, may be contributing to the problem.
Led by Jackline Ongige and Magret Mungai, the traders noted that prices have dropped from KSh 4,200 to KSh 3,200 per 75kg sack, with a 10kg bucket now selling at KSh 600. Despite the price reduction, they are incurring heavy losses due to high transport costs and low customer turnout.
“Biashara ya waru imekuwa mbaya sana, hakuna pesa, wateja pia hakuna. Halafu kusafirisha mizigo hii ni bei ghali sana — tunatumia KSh 450 kwa kila gunia kutoka Marakwet na lori,” they lamented.
The traders have appealed to the national government to reduce fuel prices to ease transportation costs and sustain their businesses financially
However, traders in Kakamega town have raised concerns over rotting potatoes before they reach customers. They suspect that excessive use of chemical fertilizers by farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet, where they source their produce, may be contributing to the problem.
Led by Jackline Ongige and Magret Mungai, the traders noted that prices have dropped from KSh 4,200 to KSh 3,200 per 75kg sack, with a 10kg bucket now selling at KSh 600. Despite the price reduction, they are incurring heavy losses due to high transport costs and low customer turnout.
“Biashara ya waru imekuwa mbaya sana, hakuna pesa, wateja pia hakuna. Halafu kusafirisha mizigo hii ni bei ghali sana — tunatumia KSh 450 kwa kila gunia kutoka Marakwet na lori,” they lamented.
The traders have appealed to the national government to reduce fuel prices to ease transportation costs and sustain their businesses financially