Women traders at the Homa Bay fish market are facing a severe shortage of sardines (omena) due to ongoing clashes between Ugandan police and Kenyan fishermen. The disruption has led to a sharp increase in prices, with sardine costs doubling over recent weeks.
Traders report that the amount of sardines they used to purchase for Sh1,000 now costs Sh2,000, severely cutting into their profits. Many traders are struggling to meet customer demand, resulting in growing frustration across the market.
The affected traders are calling on the government to intervene swiftly to restore normal trade conditions and stabilize prices. They urge authorities to resolve the conflict and ensure fair pricing, which will allow them to continue serving their customers without financial strain.
