Kelvin Wairimu
Kenyan Farmers should brace for a sharp rise in onion prices. There may be a possible threefold increase by December 2025.
The trend, already visible in farm-gate prices, is largely attributed to declining production and escalating input costs.
Farmers Reduce Acreage as Input Costs Soar
June typically marks the beginning of Kenya’s bulb onion planting season, with most farmers preparing their fields in hopes of securing high prices by October. However, this year paints a different picture.
Many farmers have either exited onion farming or drastically reduced their acreage, citing poor returns in previous seasons. As a result, supply is expected to tighten significantly later in the year.
Read Also: The Best Fertiliser for Onions in Kenya:A 2025 Complete Guide
Seed Sales Drop as Input Prices Climb
A major seed distributor has reported slow movement of onion seed stocks. A consignment of 3 tons, which would usually sell out in 2–3 weeks, is now taking over a month.
At the same time, the cost of premium onion seed varieties has climbed to between Ksh 45,000 and 50,000 per kilogram.
With fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation factored in, the total cost of farming one acre of bulb onions is approaching Ksh 400,000.
Read Also:The Best Time to Plant Onions in Kenya (2025 Updated Guide)
Farm-Gate Prices Already Rising
As of early June, farm-gate onion prices have risen from Ksh 35 per kilo to between Ksh 50 and Ksh 60, depending on the region.
Market experts warn that prices will continue to climb through to the end of the year if supply does not improve.
Who stands to benefit from a rise in onion prices?
The price surge is expected to benefit resilient farmers who continue to produce despite current market challenges. As for consumers, they will continue to pay high prices, though it may not last long.
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