Kenya potato prices jump 80% on reduced supplies, transport costs
The NPCK identified limited access to clean, certified seed, pests, seed- and soil-borne diseases, and declining soil fertility as yield constraints.
KENYA – Potato prices in Kenya have risen as reduced supplies from growing areas and higher transport costs affect the market. A 90-100 kg bag that previously sold for around Sh4,000 (approx. US$31) now costs Sh6,500 to Sh7,500 (approx. US$50-58), depending on origin.
Traders in Chuka said supplies are mainly sourced from Meru, Narok, Naivasha and Nyandarua, where weather conditions have affected the crop, according to the report.
Retail prices have reached Sh80 (US$0.62) per kg, while the Shangi variety is trading at Sh7,200 to Sh8,000 (US$56-62) per 90-100kg bag. Traders said reduced farm availability and transport costs are affecting margins, while some consumers are purchasing smaller quantities.
According to the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), around 800,000 smallholders cultivate potatoes on 296,526 to 370,658 acres (120,000 to 150,000 hectares), producing 1.5 million to 2 million tons annually. Average yields are currently 7 to 12 tons per hectare, compared with an achievable level of at least 40 tons per hectare.
Moreover, the NPCK identified limited access to clean, certified seed, pests, seed- and soil-borne diseases, and declining soil fertility as yield constraints.
However, improved varieties, including Sherekea and 1G70, are being introduced alongside climate-smart cultivation practices to stabilize future supplies.
The council said the constraints prevent smallholders from reaching their full production potential, leaving output well below achievable levels despite the sector’s scale. Therefore, improving access to seed and soil health would be central to closing the yield gap.
The Kenyan potato market is estimated to be worth Sh50 billion (US$500 million), according to the council. The price surge highlights supply chain disruptions that have forced consumers to adjust their purchasing habits as retail prices climb, with adverse weather conditions across key growing regions driving the cost of a standard bag up by nearly 80%.
In addition, traders said margins remain under pressure from transport costs, and market conditions could stay tight if rainfall remains limited in producing areas.
Ultimately, improved varieties and climate-smart practices are expected to support longer-term supply stability, though near-term prices may remain elevated until harvests improve.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
