Tomato Prices Surge as Rains Disrupt Supply Across Kenya

Kenya, May 02, 2026 - Tomatoes, once a humble staple in Kenyan kitchens, have suddenly become a luxury. Families and vendors are struggling to cope with prices that have more than doubled in recent months, turning everyday stews into costly indulgences.

A single crate now sells for Sh17,000–Sh18,000, compared to Sh6,000–Sh8,000 earlier this year. On a retail scale, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reports that prices rose from Sh99.60 per kilogram in March 2026 to Sh108.60 in April 2026, marking a sharp increase in just one month.

“We can’t afford to cook the way we used to,” said Jane Mwikali, who runs an eatery in Nairobi.

The Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged the crisis, attributing it to ongoing heavy rains that have disrupted both production and transport. KilimoSTAT, the government’s agricultural data platform, notes that tomatoes account for nearly 29 percent of Kenya’s horticultural production value, with 95 percent consumed domestically. Officials warn that the shortage is not just a market fluctuation but a direct hit to food security.

A 2026 research brief by RIMISP further highlights the vulnerability of Kenya’s tomato value chain. While production has expanded twelve-fold since 1980, the sector remains exposed to climate shocks and infrastructure gaps. The report calls for urgent investment in greenhouse farming, storage facilities, and resilient transport systems to prevent recurring shortages.

The shortage is not confined to households. Street vendors, hotels, and restaurants, many of which rely heavily on tomatoes for sauces and stews, are being forced to raise menu prices or reduce tomato-based dishes.

Economists warn that the tomato crisis is part of a wider food inflation trend, where climate volatility and transport bottlenecks combine to squeeze consumers.