Consumers and small-scale traders in Kiambu County are feeling the pressure of rising Irish potato prices, with households spending more on the staple food while retailers grapple with higher restocking costs.

The retail price of Irish potatoes has risen from Sh53 to Sh79 per kilogramme, while the wholesale price of a 59-kilogramme bag has increased from Sh2,650 to Sh3,950. The changes represent increases of Sh26 per kilogramme and Sh1,300 per bag, respectively.

During an interview with the Kenya News Agency, Iris Wachera, an Irish potato retailer in Kiambu County, said the rising purchase costs had forced her to increase selling prices to keep her business running.

Wachera said some customers had responded by buying smaller quantities to manage their household expenses, affecting daily sales and the money available for restocking.

“The amount we spend on purchasing Irish potatoes has increased, making it necessary for us to adjust our prices to keep our businesses running,” she said.

Erick Mwangi, a potato dealer in Kiambu town, said the higher prices had made it more difficult to attract customers, many of whom were becoming increasingly cautious about their food expenditure.

He noted that traders also needed more capital to replenish their stocks, placing additional pressure on small-scale businesses operating with limited financial resources.

George Njenga, an Irish potato supplier in the same town, attributed the rising prices partly to reduced supplies from major potato-growing areas and increased transportation costs.

Njenga explained that limited supplies could push up the prices traders pay to secure stock, while higher transport expenses further increase the cost of delivering potatoes to the market.

The traders called for support for potato farmers and improvements in distribution to help stabilise supplies and make the commodity more affordable to consumers.

By Mitchelle Ayuma and Grace Naishoo