According to the Consumer Price Index, tomato prices increased by 11.2% between April and May 2026 and were up 45.7% year-on-year compared with May 2025. Spinach prices increased by 5.2% month-on-month and 18.6% year-on-year, while cabbage prices rose by 5.0% monthly and 37.8% annually.

KNBS reported that Kenya’s annual inflation rate increased to 6.7% in May 2026 from 5.6% in April, driven mainly by food and transport costs. Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 9.4% year-on-year.

The increase in tomato prices was linked to supply disruptions caused by heavy rainfall in key production regions. Flooding damaged farms, destroyed seedlings, and reduced harvest volumes during flowering and fruiting stages.

Transport disruptions also affected supply flows into urban markets, including Nairobi. Flooding on rural roads slowed produce movement, while spoilage of perishable tomatoes further reduced volumes reaching the market.

In Kirinyaga, traders reported that tomato crate prices increased from around KSh 300 (US$2.32) earlier in the year to between KSh 5,000 and KSh 10,000 (US$38.60 to US$77.20), depending on supply conditions.

Retail tomato prices also increased across several markets, with some outlets selling single tomatoes for KSh 25 (US$0.19).

The report also noted that some growers had already reduced tomato production following earlier market losses and price volatility, contributing to lower supply during the rainfall period.

Beyond vegetables, transport costs recorded the highest annual increase at 16.5%, linked to higher fuel prices and logistics costs. Petrol prices increased by 8.4% month-on-month, while tuk-tuk fares rose by 12%.

Other food staples, including onions and potatoes, also recorded price increases during the review period. KNBS reported that cooking oil prices increased from KSh 348.74 (US$2.69) to KSh 355.79 (US$2.75), while maize flour reached KSh 159.12 (US$1.23) per 2-kilogram pack.

Source: The Kenya Times