Nairobi Street Food: A popular treat with hidden health risks

From mouth-watering treats like chapati and pre-cooked sausages (smokie) with a dash of salsa (smocha) to eggs sprinkled with salsa (mayai pasua), samosas, roasted maize (mahindi choma), traditional Kenyan sausage (mutura), and salsa-stuffed smokies (smokie pasua), these snacks are beloved for their convenience and flavour.

However, despite their popularity, these tantalizing bites might carry health risks that you may not be aware of.

Citizen Digital interviewed Dr. Brian Lesso, who provided insights into the potential dangers of regularly consuming these appealing snacks.

Dr Lesso warned that many people are unaware of the lifestyle diseases that can result from consuming street food. These diseases develop over time, and their effects may only become apparent after years of unhealthy eating habits.

One of the main concerns is the presence of saturated fats in many of these roadside snacks. These fats can eventually clog blood vessels, leading to serious health issues.

“This particularly affects arteries. When an artery supplying blood to any organ becomes clogged, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which increases blood pressure and leads to hypertension and diabetes,” Dr. Lesso explained.

“Current medical data shows that hypertension and diabetes are responsible for 50% of all hospital admissions in Kenya, with 27% of these cases resulting in death.”

The complications arising from these diseases, such as heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure, contribute to their high mortality rates.

In addition to lifestyle diseases, Dr. Lesso highlighted other health issues that can arise from consuming street food. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and headaches, often resulting from foodborne illnesses.

“Certain microbes thrive in the street food environment, especially if the food is not properly cooked. These can infect the intestinal tract, leading to issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. We've also seen cases of cholera due to lack of clean water,” Dr. Lesso noted.

“Cholera can be fatal, so in some cases, these street foods can be deadly.”

The doctor emphasized that there is no “healthier” option when it comes to street food. If a snack contains saturated fats or is consumed in excess, it can still pose significant risks to your health. Dr. Lesso recommended indulging in these tasty treats no more than once a week, particularly those containing meat.

Despite the allure of street food, the risks can be mitigated by opting for fruits and vegetables and incorporating regular exercise into your routine. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that fruits and vegetables should make up half of your plate at each meal.

“Lack of physical activity can be very harmful to one’s health. For example, the chapatis that are so popular are often cooked with solid fats high in saturated fats. These fats are stored in the body, and without regular exercise, they can’t be burned off,” Dr. Lesso warned.

Health experts recommend engaging in physical activity at least three times a week to prevent gradual, unhealthy weight gain. According to WHO, regular exercise and a balanced diet can prevent 70% of lifestyle disease cases.