This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
As Kenya grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's egg market has been hit by an unexpected surge in imports from Uganda. The move, which began in March when the first coronavirus cases were reported in Kenya, has led to a nearly 20% drop in egg prices.
According to reports, the increased imports have resulted in a glut of eggs in the market, with prices plummeting to between Sh250 and Sh255 for a tray. This is a significant drop from the previous price of Sh310.
The Federation of Kenya Poultry Farmers (FKPF) has attributed the price drop to depressed demand and over-supply from Uganda. Farmers in Kenya are also feeling the pinch, with many saying that the over-supply has been occasioned by a dip in demand and the fact that many brokers have turned to Uganda, where a tray of eggs goes for Sh200 due to lower production costs.
Some supermarkets in Nairobi are selling eggs at Sh350 per tray, while traders operating by the roadside are selling at an average of Sh270 per tray. The price drop has been attributed not only to the increased imports from Uganda but also to other COVID-19 restrictions, including job losses, pay cuts, and restricted movements, which have hurt the purchasing power of many Kenyans.
The FKPF is now pleading with the government to ban all eggs and chicken meat imports from Uganda to cushion local farmers and stabilize prices. Farmers argue that if the trend continues, most of them will be out of business under the prevailing environment.
However, with hotels and eateries starting to resume business in Kenya as the country begins to ease restrictions on movements and social distancing, there is hope that demand for eggs will increase, and prices will stabilize.
