Decoding the Cost of Living Crisis in Kenya: Nairobi Food prices depend on where you live!

Decoding the Cost of Living Crisis in Kenya: The Uneven Terrain of Food Prices in Nairobi Food prices depend on where you live!

The cost of living crisis in Kenya has unleashed a storm of economic turmoil, leaving many families grappling with the harsh realities of soaring prices. One of the most pressing concerns is the exorbitant rise in the cost of staple food products, such as sugar, cooking oil, and maize flour. As if that weren't enough, the surge in fuel and electricity prices, which are the driving forces behind production, has further compounded the challenges. While the government has responded with measures to contain the situation, the outcomes have been as mixed as a culinary experiment gone awry.

The Bitter Truth: Food Prices Vary by Area

Navigating the labyrinth of Nairobi's food prices reveals an unsettling truth – where you live significantly impacts what you pay for essentials. The price hikes have been nothing short of staggering, with staple food products like sugar, cooking oil, and maize flour skyrocketing by more than 100%. But what's equally astonishing is the disparity in prices based on location. Let's take a closer look at how the numbers stack up:

Sugar (2kg Ndiwa or Kabras):

• Naivas: Kes. 429
• Carrefour: Kes. 438
• Cleanshelf: Kes. 450
• Asas Supermarket Kibera: Kes. 480
• QualityWays Supermarket Dagoreti: Kes. 460
• Joy Shop Dagoreti Corner: Kes. 480
• Kaka Shebo Shop Kibera: Kes. 472

Maize Flour (Pembe 2kg):

• Naivas: Kes. 202
• Carrefour: Kes. 187
• Cleanshelf: Kes. 199
• Asas Supermarket Kibera: Kes. 199
• QualityWays Supermarket Dagoreti: Kes. 220
• Joy Shop Dagoreti Corner: Kes. 220
• Kaka Shebo Shop Kibera: Kes. 220

Cooking Oil 2L (Avena or Fresh Fry):

• Naivas: Kes. 599
• Carrefour: Kes. 648
• Cleanshelf Supermarket: Kes. 565
• Asas Supermarket Kibera: Kes. 550
• QualityWays Supermarket Dagoreti: Kes. 535
• Joy Shop Dagoreti Corner: Kes. 605
• Kaka Shebo Shop Kibera: Kes. 600

Selective Price Drops: A Silent Divide

As we unravel the complexities of this crisis, it becomes evident that the descent of food prices is highly selective, weaving a tapestry of disparities across Nairobi. Large supermarket chains, like Naivas and Carrefour, have experienced more significant drops in prices compared to informal outlets. Nimrod, the proprietor of Joy Shop in Dagoreti Corner, shared his insight: "I find it better to buy Unga stocks for my shop from Carrefour when in their offers, than to buy from the local distributor. The difference is as much as 10-15%. Am buying Pembe 2kg flour at 178 from Carrefour and 190 from the Distributor."

The Call for Urgent Action:

The urgency of the cost-of-living crisis cannot be overstated. While commendable measures have been put in place by the government, the inconsistent outcomes underscore the critical need for further action. The selective application of falling prices has cast a harsh spotlight on the divide between the haves and have-nots, burdening low-income households even further.

Furthermore, the promises of imported cooking oil as a lifeline to cushion Kenyans from skyrocketing cooking oil prices have yet to materialize. A disheartening revelation reveals that this vital resource remains absent from the market, leaving many Kenyans still vulnerable to the struggles of affording a basic necessity.

In Conclusion: A Call for Unity

The cost-of-living crisis in Kenya is not just a headline – it's a call to action. We must demand transparency, accountability, and a collective commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan can access essential goods without compromising their well-being. As a society, let us stand together, advocate for change, and create a future where equitable access to basic necessities is a reality for all.

 

Bei ya Ukweli Team

August 2023

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