The cost of sugar has hit a record high in less than a month as government asks Kenyans to be perservere as it puts up measures to lower the cost of living, maybe in one year or less.
The price of the basic commodity has risen sharply by 30% between Sh30 and Sh40 to hit between Sh180 and Sh200 in different parts of the country. Initially, it was between Sh120 and Sh130.
In Bungoma, a kilo of sugar goes at Sh157 as in many parts of Western Kenya. Other parts of the country have between Sh160 and Sh180 up to Sh200.
The increase is despite the government promising to lower the cost of basic commodities in the first 100 days in office.
Wambui Mbarire, the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) CEO, said the situation is due to supply challenges.
“As I have said often, we have a supplier market. Prices are generated by them. These are supply challenges,” she said.
Director of Sugar Directorate of Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Willis Audi, attributed the situation to ongoing global scarcity which has led to hike in prices.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei asked Kenyans to be patient as the government implements measures to curb the cost of living in the next few months.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.
