Mombasa-based Kensalt company, which is owned by the Patel family, announced that it was increasing its salt prices in line with the surge in the cost of living.
In a statement dated March 31, the company noted that the changes will take effect from April 15, 2023.
"We wish to inform you that due to continuous rise in the cost of production, we have been forced to increase our prices by Ksh1,000 per tonne plus VAT," read part of the statement.
The increase will see Kenyans pay Ksh1 extra for a kilogram of salt.
According to the company, the increase was necessary for them to continue supplying household commodities without fail.
Kensalt called for cooperation from its esteemed customer base as the tough economic times persist.
Currently, Kenyans pay Ksh35 per kilogram and Ksh26 per half a kilogram of the product. The increase will see them paying Ksh36 and Ksh27 for one kg and a half kg respectively.
The high cost of production is among the causes of the increased prices of products in the country.
Notably, the increased cost of power was highlighted as one of the contributors to the soaring prices of manufacturing and production.
The beloved salt brand reportedly controls 75 per cent of the salt market in Kenya and 50 per cent in Uganda.
Meanwhile, the high cost of living is repeatedly cited as one of the major complaints from Kenyans to the government alongside a high rate of employment and increased graft cases.
On Sunday, April 9, President William Ruto emphasised that he was aware that the cost of living was weighing heavy on Kenyans assuring them that prices will start to go down.
"I know we have a big debate across the country about the cost of living and how we need to reduce food prices. Lowering food prices boils down to what we do as farmers and the solution is to produce food locally," Ruto explained.
