Fresh market data collected on September 14 shows red onion prices differ by up to KSh10 per kilo across three Kenyan markets.

In Meru Town Market a kilo fetched KSh90, the highest among the surveyed locations, while Nairobi’s Wakulima Market priced the same at KSh85 and Mombasa’s Kongowea Market at KSh80.

When expressed in the 50 kg bag size commonly used by traders, the price spread widens to KSh500, with bags costing roughly KSh4,000 in Mombasa, KSh4,250 in Nairobi and KSh4,500 in Meru.

Two days earlier onions were KSh82 per kilo, indicating a KSh3 rise within 48 hours and a KSh150 higher cost per 50 kg bag.

Factors driving price changes

Onion prices respond quickly to daily supply volumes, transport costs, quality variations and broader supply‑and‑demand dynamics, causing sharp shifts when markets are short or oversupplied.

The figures reported are point‑of‑sale prices paid by shoppers and traders, not the net earnings that farmers receive after production and logistics costs.

Implications for bulk buyers

For bulk buyers, the price gap translates into a KSh5,000 difference when purchasing ten 50 kg bags, before adding fuel, loading or logistics expenses.