Omena vendors in Homa Bay are concerned about a persistent shortage of the due to the rising commodity prices.
Speaking to the Vendors, the ongoing shortage has resulted in lower profits direly affecting business.
Due to an undersupply, vendors are forced to purchase a 10 kilo bucket at double market price of sh. 2000 compared to the price of Sh 1000 before the shortage
For Instance, Margaret Anyango who vends omena within Homa Bay town fish market decried with the increase in price of the much-loved delicacy, they are unable to make substantial profit from the sale.
Vendors are compelled to sell omena at a higher price to buyers who they claim are sometimes hesitant to purchase the commodity. “We cannot make any profit from selling omena and at the end of the day, we have very little earnings to take home,” she said.
On the other hand, Mary Ayako who is also a vendor blamed Ugandan security officers whom she alleged to have prohibited fishermen from fishing on the other side of the lake.
Lastly, she urged the government to step in and help salvage the situation so that business returns to normalcy.
By Sitna Omar
