Fresh farm produce traders decry low business

Traders at Soko Mjinga market in Nyeri. [File, Standard]

Fresh farm produce traders in Nyeri have lamented over poor business during the festive season.

They said that compared to the other festive seasons, the public is not spending much and the New Year is not promising either.

The traders blamed the situation on the high cost of living, high prices of basic commodities and taxes.

Alex Macharia, a fruits vendor at Mdavadi market said that his stock of watermelon has been moving slowly since December 2024.

"At a time like this two years ago, I could have cleared the stock and gone for another one but 2024 it has its own challenges," Macharia said.

He said the delayed salaries of civil servants and the pressure to pay schools has also affected business.

Lucy Wangari, a vegetable vendor said for seven years she has been in the market, 2024 has been the most challenging year, marked by low customer turn out, lack of adequate stock and high cost of living.

“Some years back during the festive season especially the end of the year was my best selling period. I made booming business and could survive four months of low season but this year business is very low,” she said.

Julia Sabonge, a vegetables trader at Soko Mjinga market in Nyeri said the public has not been buying vegetables to their expectation.

She said a few years ago her sales peaked during December but 2024 has been a challenge.

"During other years December and especially festive was our peak time but this year the business is too low," Sabonge said.

A spot check within the food markets confirmed that they are not busy.