Current retail and wholesale prices for staple foods in Kenya — unga, rice, cooking oil, sugar, milk, bread and eggs. Updated by community members from Nairobi and major town markets.
| Product | Retail price | Wholesale |
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Food prices in Kenya are not regulated — they move with global commodity markets, local harvests, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Understanding what drives food prices helps you know when to stock up and when prices are likely to fall.
Unga is the most politically sensitive food price in Kenya. The 2kg packet of unga has become a national benchmark for the cost of living. Prices are driven by the domestic maize harvest in the Rift Valley and North Rift, as well as import prices when local supply falls short. The government has periodically intervened with subsidies through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), but subsidised unga is not always available outside major towns.
A 2kg retail packet from a supermarket typically costs 10–20% more than the same quantity bought wholesale from Wakulima Market or a distributor. If you run a household or small business, buying a 10kg bag from a wholesale supplier can save significant money per kilogram compared to buying 2kg packets at a supermarket.
Rice prices vary significantly by type. Local Kenyan rice from Mwea (Pishori) commands a premium and is widely considered Kenya's best rice. Imported rice from Pakistan, India and Tanzania is cheaper but considered lower quality. Wholesale buyers at Eastleigh and Gikomba often have the best prices on imported rice.
Cooking oil prices track global vegetable oil markets — particularly palm oil from Malaysia and soya from South America. Kenya imports most of its cooking oil. Prices typically spike when global supply is disrupted or when the Kenya shilling weakens against the dollar.
See full price history, trend charts and submit prices you have seen.