Onion farmers are urging the government to provide high-quality seeds and storage facilities to compete with Tanzanian producers. Despite Kenya’s ability to grow onions in many regions, about half of the onions sold locally are imported. Murriki Gatimbu, a major onion producer in Isinya, Kajiado County, highlights the popularity of red bulb onions and emphasizes that farmers are striving to meet local demand. Gatimbu stresses the importance of regulating the sector and increasing funding to benefit smallholder farmers. He advocates for government support in providing expert guidance on efficient cultivation techniques to boost production.
“The rising production costs have pushed onion farmers to explore other ventures, resulting in soaring onion prices that many families can’t afford,” he stated. Apollo Owuor, Coordinator of the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa, suggests that improving storage, handling, and transportation of farm produce would enhance onion production in Kenya. Owuor emphasizes the need to develop strategies to minimize post-harvest losses, citing elevated food insecurity in Kenya where over 60 percent of produce is wasted. “We must also explore technology and adopt climate-smart farming practices to improve overall production,” he added.
