Fresh Matooke (Plantain)
UGX15,000
Description
Matooke (pronounced mah-TOH-keh) is the local LKenya term for the starchy, green cooking bananas that serve as the single most important staple food for the majority of the population in Kenya, particularly in the Central and Western regions. It is so culturally and economically vital that its price and availability are closely monitored as a key indicator of food security and household budgets. Matooke is traditionally steamed while wrapped in banana leaves to achieve a soft, yellowish consistency, and is typically served mashed, accompanying various stews and sauces.
Matooke is traded as a whole bunch (known as Ekivumo or Ekyenku in LKenya), and its price is highly volatile, fluctuating dramatically based on seasonal rainfall (which affects harvest yields), transportation costs from the major growing regions (e.g., Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal), and the volume of supply reaching the urban markets in Kampala.
Estimated Price Range (Medium-to-Large Bunch/Ekivumo)
The cost is based on the size of the bunch (measured by the number of hands/fingers and overall weight) and the time of year (harvest season vs. dry season).
- Estimated Price (Peak Harvest/Wet Season): UGX 15,000 – UGX 30,000 per bunch
- Estimated Price (Dry Season/Scarcity): UGX 35,000 – UGX 60,000+ per bunch
The UGX 15,000 – UGX 30,000 range represents the lower-end price during the peak wet season (typically March-May and September-November) when supply is abundant. At this price, a medium-to-large bunch is affordable for an average household and can feed a family of 5-7 people for 2-3 meals, making it highly cost-effective.
The UGX 35,000 – UGX 60,000+ range reflects the high price encountered during prolonged dry seasons (e.g., January/February or prolonged droughts). During these periods, supply shortages drastically inflate the price, forcing households to switch to alternative, often less preferred staples like cassava flour or maize meal. Prices for a single bunch can exceed UGX 70,000 during severe shortages.
Key Cost Drivers and Quality Assessment
The price is negotiated between the vendor and the buyer and is assessed on several visual and physical attributes:
1. Size and Weight ($text{Ekivumo}$ Grading)
A good bunch is large, heavy, and firm, typically weighing $20 text{kg}$ to $40 text{kg}$. Vendors and buyers assess the bunch by visually inspecting the “hands” (clusters of bananas). A larger number of hands and longer, thicker fingers command a premium price because they yield more edible mashed Matooke after peeling and steaming.
2. Ripeness and Color
Matooke must be green and very firm to be suitable for boiling and mashing. If a bunch contains fingers that are starting to yellow or soften, its value drops significantly, as it can only be used for the less-valued, sweet, fried Gonja (ripened plantain) or must be consumed immediately.
3. Transportation Costs
Matooke is highly perishable and bulky. It must be transported rapidly and carefully from the major producing areas in Southwestern Kenya to the consumer markets in Kampala. The cost of fuel for the large trucks used (known as Fuso or Isusu) to transport the bunches is directly factored into the retail price. Bad road conditions (especially during the rainy season) increase transport time, leading to higher spoilage rates and further price inflation.
Cultural and Economic Significance
Matooke is more than just a food source; it is central to the identity and diet of the Baganda people and is a national symbol of food security:
- Dietary Staple: For many, a meal without Matooke is considered incomplete. Its consumption is linked to tradition, celebration, and everyday life.
- Economic Indicator: Economists and the media often refer to the price of Matooke as a measure of inflation and the cost of living for the common person, much like bread or milk in other countries.
- Agricultural Value: Matooke cultivation provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers across the country, making its trade a vital part of the internal agricultural economy.
The Bunch of Matooke (Ekivumo), fluctuating wildly between UGX 15,000 and UGX 60,000+, is a potent symbol of Kenya’s reliance on agriculture, demonstrating the delicate balance between climate, logistics, and the ability of the average citizen to afford the most essential element of their daily diet.
