By Antynet Ford

A lack of adequate rainfall during the October–November–December (OND) short-rains season has sharply reduced fruit and vegetable supply, pushing up prices across Nairobi markets.

Farmers and traders say dry conditions occurred just as crops were flowering, stressing plants and leading to poor fruit set and smaller harvests. The reduced supply is now being felt by households, retailers and even hotels struggling to source fresh produce.

During a market tour by Farmbiz Africa at Muthurwa, Wakulima, Nyayo and Marikiti markets, traders confirmed that supplies from key production counties have significantly dropped.

“In Makueni where I grow pixie oranges, mangoes and passion fruits, the rains stopped immediately after flowering. The crops were stressed and production was very low,” said Joshua Kasyoka, a fruit trader at Marikiti Market.

He said he is currently selling fruits at about Sh200 per kilogram despite poor quality.

“The harvest was small, so I have to sell at a higher price to recover costs and prepare for the next season,” he said.

Vegetable traders also reported shortages. Mildred Ombayo, a wholesaler who buys produce for resale, said farmers are unable to meet demand due to prolonged dry conditions.

“When you come to Marikiti early in the morning, traders scramble for the little vegetables available. Most farmers rely on rain-fed farming and without rainfall they cannot supply enough,” she said.

The shortage has affected both indigenous vegetables and common staples such as sukuma wiki and cabbage, which form the basis of most urban meals.

Traders say they are now waiting for the March–May long rains, as forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department and IGAD Climate Prediction Centre, to restore production.

“The drought is why passion fruits are now selling at Sh200 per kilo,” another trader, said Julius Mawia.

“Avocados are also scarce. Some are going for up to Sh100 per piece, with the cheapest around Sh40. We expect prices to drop once the season begins,” he said.

At Nyayo Market in Ngara, fruit trader Janet Gichuhi said she plans to source produce directly from farms once rains begin in order to reduce reliance on brokers.

“Pineapples, watermelons and mangoes are fairly priced because they are in season, but most other fruits are expensive due to the lack of rainfall and high temperatures,” she said.

Current market prices reflect the tight supply across nearly all produce. A kilogram of tomatoes is now selling for between Sh120 and Sh180, onions at about Sh160 per kilogram, while cabbage is retailing at around Sh100 per head. Sukuma wiki is selling at about Sh40 per bunch wholesale and nearly double at retail, with spinach at similar levels.

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Meanwhile capsicums and green peppers are retailing at about Sh260 per kilogram, and bananas are selling at between Sh300 and Sh600 per bunch depending on the size and market. Pawpaws are retailing for up to Sh200 each, and tree tomatoes for between Sh250 and Sh350 per kilogram.

According to the 2025 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics agricultural report, yields of key market vegetables including tomatoes, cabbage and kale declined due to climate stress, contributing to the current supply shortages and price increases.

Farmers are also facing mounting pest losses due to higher temperatures and the government-initiated reduction in pest control options.

Farmers and traders warn that unless the upcoming long rains perform well, and pest control improves, food prices in urban markets are likely to remain elevated for the rest of 2026.n

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