A kilo of tomatoes in Kisumu costs about KSh115, roughly three times the price in Meru where the same amount is KSh42.

Across Kenya, prices span KSh42 to KSh115 per kilogram, reflecting differences in supply, demand, transport costs and local market conditions.

County averages show Kisumu at the top (KSh115/kg, KSh6,900 for a 60 kg crate), followed by Bungoma (KSh102), Uasin Gishu (KSh91) and Nakuru (KSh89).

Kakamega and Nairobi both average KSh85 per kilo (about KSh5,100 per crate), while Mombasa on the Coast records KSh65 per kilo (approximately KSh3,900 per crate).

The cheapest rates are found in central and eastern counties: Nyeri (KSh58), Kitui (KSh53), Kirinyaga (KSh52), Tharaka Nithi (KSh51) and Murang’a (KSh49).

These figures are drawn from Agrisoko’s price records covering the past 90 days, though the platform notes that prices fluctuate with market grade, season and stock levels.

June market data illustrate the spread: Ahero Market in Kisumu listed tomatoes at KSh90 wholesale and KSh100 retail, whereas Musoli Market in Kakamega posted KSh71.43 wholesale and KSh90.91 retail.

In Meru’s Nkubu market, June prices were KSh10 wholesale and KSh60 retail, underscoring the regional disparity.

Supply shocks have amplified price swings; heavy rains in Kisumu in May pushed wholesale crate prices to KSh7,600‑KSh8,000, up from KSh7,000‑KSh7,500 previously.

Conversely, Murang’a saw crate prices rise from KSh1,000 in January to KSh6,800‑KSh7,000 in April, with the kilogram price climbing to about KSh100.

The market remains volatile, with prices moving according to how much produce actually reaches each market, affecting both shoppers and traders.