Kenyans have taken to social media to celebrate the drop in unga prices to below KSh 150 from a high of over KSh 200 a year ago. Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi samples unga at a supermarket. The drop in costs followed increased production of maize after the government introduced the fertiliser subsidy programme. On X (formerly Twitter), netizens shared photos showing some unga brands were retailing at KSh 109. TUKO.co.ke sampled some comments: Lawrence Kitema: “Unga is now selling at KSh 109.00 from KSh 250.00. The fuel price has dropped by Ksh 10.00 today! Is the economy not stabilising?” @MwendiaJnr: “Give credit where it’s due. The price of unga came down. The cost of electricity has come down. The shilling has significantly gained ground against the dollar. Farmers have access to cheaper fertilisers.” Pauline Jerono: “Farmers got access to subsidised fertilizers, and the consumers are paying less for a packet of unga.” Amoo: “The price of unga falling must have been the best thing Luhyas heard today.” Abuga Makori: “This is a major milestone by President William Ruto. Unga at KSh 110 from KSh 240.” Nkirote Murungi: “Now that unga prices have subsided from KSh 220 to KSh 110, I’m sure that’s fair enough for all of us, the local country people.” Vinnie: “For the first time in like seven years, the cost of a 2kg packet of unga is below the 100 bob mark.” Subsidising consumption President William Ruto’s administration introduced fertiliser subsidies to enable farmers to buy at low prices and enhance their production. Ruto reduced the prices of a 50kg bag of fertiliser to KSh 2,500, down from KSh 6500. The programme has been marred by scandals as cases of fake fertiliser were reported.
by Japhet Ruto