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Poultry eggs traders in Nairobi report retail prices ranging between Sh450 and Sh480.
The price of poultry eggs across key retail markets in Nairobi has surged by up to 20 per cent over the past month, a survey shows, amid rising feed costs and stronger seasonal demand.
Traders in Nairobi report retail prices ranging between Sh450 and Sh480, depending on vendor and location, representing an increase of up to six per cent in a matter of days alone.
At major supermarket chains, the same tray now fetches between Sh575 and Sh604, a premium of up to 30 per cent above street prices, placing it out of reach for many low-income households.
Timothy Mulwa, chairman of the Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya, attributes the surge to a combination of production cost pressures, seasonal demand factors, and regional supply constraints. Chief among them is feed.
“On February 16, manufacturers effected a Sh100 increase specifically on Layers Mash. Feed accounts for approximately 85–90 per cent of the total cost of egg production, and any adjustment has a direct and immediate impact on farm-gate prices. This increase reflects sustained pressure on raw materials, including maize and soybean meal, which continue to face supply and pricing volatility,” Mr Mulwa told Nation.
He said that farm gate prices are currently averaging Sh400 per try and Sh450 at market price.
A poultry farmer sells eggs in Nyandarua. The price of poultry eggs has surged by up to 20 per cent over the past month, .
A market inquiry by the Competition Authority of Kenya found dominant players in the animal feed sector pricing well above regional benchmarks, with Kenyan farmers paying between 42 and 54 per cent more for feed than their counterparts in South Africa and Brazil.
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Non-tariff barriers blocking maize imports from Tanzania, inconsistent egg supplies from Uganda, and rising fuel and transport costs have added further strain.
Beyond input costs, seasonal demand has pushed prices higher, whereby the onset of Ramadhan has increased uptake of eggs, which feature prominently in meal preparations during the fast.
Mr Mulwa added that the staggered reopening of schools this year, particularly following structural changes tied to the introduction of Grade 10, has further extended the period of bulk institutional purchases, sustaining demand levels that would ordinarily have peaked and eased.
At the same time, drought has driven consumers toward eggs.
With beef, lamb, and goat prices elevated due to reduced pasture availability, many households have shifted to eggs as a more affordable protein source, strengthening demand at a time when supply is already stretched.
Supply constraints have further worsened the situation.
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