Kenyans Warned of Higher Food Prices as Transport Costs Surge After Sharp Fuel Hike

File image of a food market

Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large have been warned of a possible rise in food prices in the coming days as transport costs increase across the country following recent fuel price adjustments.

Traders at Wakulima Market said on Saturday that the cost of transporting food items to the capital has gone up after the latest fuel review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

In the latest pricing cycle, petrol increased by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre, while kerosene prices remained unchanged.

Traders dealing in tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and cabbage reported that transporters are now incurring up to Ksh10,000 more per trip compared to previous months.

Transport operators attributed the increased costs to higher fuel prices, particularly diesel, which is commonly used in trucks ferrying food produce across the country.

Heavy traffic jam in Nairobi

One driver said that fuel costs for a trip have risen significantly, noting that a vehicle using 100 litres of fuel now spends over Ksh20,000 depending on the route.

Traders also cited additional costs such as parking fees and county levies affecting their operations.

A spot check showed that the price of a bucket of potatoes has increased from Ksh700 to Ksh800 in some markets.

Tomato and onion traders indicated that prices could rise by about Ksh20 per kilogram if transport costs remain high.

The developments come ahead of planned transport disruptions expected on Monday, May 18, following a nationwide strike announcement by transport stakeholders over the fuel price increase.