Potato Prices Surge in Chuka as Supplies Tighten

Potato prices have risen sharply in Chuka Town as reduced supplies from major producing areas combine with higher transportation costs.

Potatoes supplied to Chuka are mainly sourced from Meru, Narok, Naivasha and Nyandarua. Unfavourable weather conditions in some of these areas have affected production, reducing the volumes reaching the market.

A 90 to 100-kilogramme bag that previously sold for about Sh4,000 is now retailing at between Sh6,500 and Sh7,500, depending on the source and prevailing market conditions.

The popular Shangi variety is fetching even higher prices, with a 90 to 100-kilogramme bag selling for between Sh7,200 and Sh8,000.

Retail prices have also increased, with a kilogramme selling at around Sh80. The higher cost is forcing some households to reduce the quantities they purchase or buy potatoes in smaller portions.

Transport costs have added further pressure to prices. Higher expenses involved in moving potatoes from farms in producing regions to Chuka have increased the cost of the commodity along the supply chain.

The shortage is also being experienced at farm level, where reduced availability has limited the quantities farmers can bring to market. This has tightened supplies and contributed to the price increases.

There is some expectation that prices could ease if supplies from Narok increase in the coming weeks. Higher volumes from the county would improve market availability and potentially reduce pressure on prices.

However, continued shortages of rainfall in major potato-growing areas could keep supplies low and prices elevated.

The situation demonstrates how weather conditions, farm-level availability and transport costs can quickly influence potato prices, affecting both farmers and consumers across the supply chain.