Nakuru: Amidst the hustle and bustle of Nakuru, are crowds of people going about their daily activities. Time waits for no man and as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Amidst the milling crowds, an onlooker cannot fail to catch the number of countless men and women with buckets of fruits in their hands. As the day progresses, the buckets run empty as residents take a quick bite to replenish their energies.

According to Kenya News Agency, fruits are part of daily life, from the juicy oranges to the sweet bananas stacked in open-air markets, the juicy watermelons, and the tangy pineapples. However, behind the scenes, the fruit story is not always juicy, due to prevalent forces of demand and supply. Fruit prices, availability, and even customer tastes are dependent on the seasons. As the weather changes, so does the taste of the fruits and the prices. Consumers say that fruits are sweeter during the hot season though there is no scientific evidence to back the claims. However, what can be verifi
ed is the changing prices of fruits during peak and off-peak seasons.

Previously, market shifts could be accurately defined but with changing weather patterns, it has become difficult to predict peak seasons for a variety of the fruits as well as other farm products. However, the changing seasons do not affect the availability of fruits; it only means that they become more expensive. With cross-border trading becoming the order of the day, traders across nations are able to access products regionally and therefore ensure a constant supply. Imported fruits come at a higher premium due to the logistics of importation.

In Nakuru, fruit sellers have taken advantage of the free market regionally to ensure a steady supply of different types of fruits for their customers. They have adopted a round-the-year calendar and therefore are well-versed with fruit seasons both within and outside Kenya. ‘Fruits do not really disappear from the market,’ says Esther Wanjiru, a fruit trader in Nakuru who imports apples, orange
s, and seedless grapes from South Africa. ‘When they are out of season locally, they just become fewer and more expensive.’ During peak seasons, Esther sells apples and oranges at 20 to 30 shillings per piece. Off-season, the same fruits can cost 35 to 50 shillings each.

Locally grown fruits like avocados follow a different cycle. ‘Avocados are in plenty during the rainy seasons. That is when we get a good supply and make good returns,’ says Charity Wanjira, a Nakuru vendor. ‘In peak season, you can get them for 10 to 15 shillings, but when they are scarce, the price goes up to 30 or 40 shillings.’ Even when fruits are available, taste and weather affect sales. When it’s cold, some fruits have less sugar and are therefore not appealing to customers’, claimed John Maina, who sells pineapples in Nakuru. He added that fruit sales often plummet during the cold seasons as many customers keep away from buying them.

‘The changing weather is also creating uncertainty. These days, the weather changes so much that yo
u cannot predict fruit seasons like before,’ says Kodek Ombui, who sells bananas and watermelons. ‘In the past,’ Ombui says, ‘fruit patterns were predictable but not anymore. It is not like in the past when you could say, in July, we will have plenty of this fruit. Now you just wait and see.’ Climate unpredictability is making fruit selling more of a gamble. Farmers and vendors alike are finding it harder to plan.

Customers feel the seasons too, not just in their wallets, but in their habits. ‘I usually buy fruits more when it’s hot,’ says Fidelis Wambui, a mother and regular shopper in Nakuru. ‘During cold seasons, fruits are the last thing on my mind and budget. I also do not give fruits to my children when it’s cold. I fear they might catch a cold.’ Wambui’s story shows that cultural beliefs and weather patterns both influence when people choose to buy fruits.

The best fruit deals in Nakuru are found in Wakulima Market, which offers wholesale and retail options. Naka and Pipeline Road stalls are convenie
nt roadside options, while Kabarak and Lanet areas are ideal for buying freshly harvested fruits from farmers. While supermarkets are more consistent in their pricing, they are not always the cheapest. The sellers have smart tips for their customers: always buy more of the fruits in season to get value for money. They also recommend customers to buy their fruits early in the morning when they are delivered as they are able to get the best picks. Nakuru’s fruit calendar is no longer as predictable as it once was. However, imports keep markets running, despite price fluctuations. While rainy seasons still bring local abundance, shifting weather patterns and changing customer habits mean fruit vendors must adapt quick survival measures.