Residents of Murang’a are feeling the strain of rising egg prices, with traders attributing the high cost to a low supply of eggs in the market.
A spot check by KNA in several shops and egg outlets within Murang’a town revealed that the price of eggs has risen by more than 30 per cent in the past few weeks.
Some traders have attributed the increase to the high cost of poultry feed, rising transport costs, and reduced production due to cold weather caused by ongoing rains in the region.
In Murang’a town, egg wholesaler Emma Wanjiru noted that the price increase has forced her to adjust how she sells to retailers.
She stated that a tray of eggs that previously sold for Sh380 is now going for more than Sh450, a rise she attributes to higher production and supply costs from farmers.
Wanjiru explained that most of the farmers who supply her with eggs have been struggling with the rising cost of poultry feed, which has significantly increased the cost of production.
According to her, the situation has made it difficult for wholesalers to maintain previous prices, as they must also cover transport and handling costs.
“The price from farmers has gone up because feed is very expensive and egg production has reduced. Even transporting the eggs to Murang’a now costs more than before, so we have no choice but to increase the price,” said Wanjiru.
She added that the increase has slightly slowed the movement of eggs in the market, as some retailers are now buying smaller quantities than before.
Retailers are also struggling to keep up with the rising prices while trying not to lose customers.
Margret Waruguru, who runs a small retail shop in Mukuyu town, said the increase has greatly affected her business.
She explained that she is now buying eggs at almost the same price she used to sell them before the increase, forcing her to raise retail prices.
Waruguru remarked that the change has made customers more cautious with their spending, with many opting to buy fewer eggs than they previously did.
She noted that eggs are a common food item in many households, but the current price increase has made some families reconsider how often they buy them.
“Right now I am getting eggs from wholesalers at the same price I used to sell them as a retailer, so I have no option but to increase the price for customers,” she said.
She added that despite the price increase, she tries to maintain fair pricing so that her regular customers can still afford the product.
The situation is also worrying small food vendors who rely heavily on eggs for their daily businesses.
Benson Irungu, a smokie–mayai vendor in Murang’a town, said eggs are a key ingredient in his business, and any increase in their price directly affects his profits.
He explained that smokie–mayai vendors depend on a steady supply of affordable eggs to keep their businesses running.
Irungu added that although egg prices have risen at the wholesale level, they have not yet increased the selling price to customers.
However, he warned that if the trend continues, they may have no choice but to adjust their prices.
“We are still selling eggs at the usual price of Sh30 per egg, but if wholesale prices keep going up like this, we might have to increase the price because it will be difficult for us to sustain the business,” said Irungu.
He observed that many of his customers are students and workers who rely on smokie–mayai as an affordable meal, meaning any price increase could also affect sales.
Farmers and traders argued that the current cold season has also contributed to the situation, as chickens tend to lay fewer eggs during colder weather, reducing supply in the market.
– By Bernard Munyao, KNA
