Retailers in Mombasa are charging Ksh70 for a kilogram of Irish potatoes, while sellers in Eldoret list the same amount at Ksh69.

In Nakuru the price stands at Ksh65 per kilo, and Nairobi buyers encounter a range of Ksh55 to Ksh62 depending on the outlet.

Bulk 50‑kilogram sacks vary between Ksh2,750 and Ksh3,950, with the higher end reflecting market location and potato variety.

Small‑quantity purchases command a premium; a Nairobi trader quoted Ksh7,000 for a 50‑kg sack, while a seller in Marikiti asked Ksh7,500 for the same size.

Why supplies are constrained

Heavy rains in key growing zones such as Meru, Nyandarua, Narok and Naivasha damaged crops, and a blight outbreak further reduced yields.

Many farmers now lack sufficient seed for the next planting season, limiting the ability of the market to rebound quickly.

Higher transport costs add to traders’ margins, pushing final retail prices up after potatoes pass through multiple handling stages.

Effect on businesses and households

Vendors of chips and bhajia report buying less or raising their own prices to avoid losses, passing the extra cost onto consumers.

Households continue to purchase potatoes but in smaller quantities, often buying a few kilos at a time rather than whole sacks.

Potatoes remain a staple in Kenyan kitchens, featuring in stews, mukimo, chips, bhajia and viazi karai, making the price pressure widely felt.