Nairobi workers battle tough times with cheap lunches

As the cost of living continues to gnaw, many office workers in Nairobi are increasingly turning to cheap fast foods during lunch breaks, to survive through the day.

For thousands of office workers in the capital, quick ‘foods’ such as smokies, boiled eggs, chapatis, samosas and sausages have become the preferred lunchtime meal often because they are pocket friendly.

Many consider these quick bites affordable and readily available on nearly every street corner, even around the office premises.

Some office workers who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said the cost of real, good food has shot up, making it unaffordable for many.

“Some of us are not paid well enough to afford a good meal, that is why we resort to eating these kinds of street foods. It’s more about survival,” said Peter Kinuthia, an IT specialist in Upper Hill area of Nairobi.

Streets business specialising in quick bites are booming, and food vendors record brisk business during lunch hours, Monday to Friday.

“I used to buy a full lunch meal at a nearby restaurant, but now I buy smokies or just fruits,” says Enos Mwadhi, an administrator at a fintech company in Westlands.

Mwadhi says smokies cost an average of Ksh 70, and he gets a full stomach.

“Two boiled eggs and a smokie is enough to keep me going until evening,” says Annie Mwita, a secretary at an auction firm.

Many say that the shift is driven by rising food prices and shrinking disposable income.

A proper meal at a restaurant costs between Ksh 300 and Ksh 800, while eggs, smokies and samosas cost much less.

According to Esther Wanjiru, who works as a sales person, eating less has become an important part of survival during tough economic times.

“There are days when I only take tea in the morning, at home, then buy an egg during lunch break just to save some money,” she says.

Youth working as street food vendors say demand has risen in the recent months, as many office workers avoid expensive restaurants.

Meanwhile, even as many resort to street foods, nutrition experts are warning against over reliance on junk or processed fast foods as they may pose health risks.

The warning seems to take a back seat, as many worry more about the weight of their wallets, and getting through the day in a shoe string budget.