It’s one meal a day for most families, as cost of living rises

According to some of the families who spoke to Wananchi Reporting, ‘fasting’ is fast becoming a common practice in most households.

In March, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi asked Kenyans to consider eating rice or potatoes as an alternative to ugali given the high prices.

Although some people may have hearkened to the call, many have decided to ration meals eaten at home as they grapple with high cost of living.

Mama Deborah Mbeko, a mother of four, told Wananchi Reporting that she cannot remember the last time she had three square meals in a day.

“One goro goro of maize costs Sh200, and I still need to spend Sh10 at the posho mill. Ugali has become very expensive, and that’s why I have to ration carefully to survive each day,” says Mbeko who runs a kiosk in Kibera slums.

According to Mbeko, sweet potatoes are expensive and so is rice. 

“These people asking us to eat potatoes probably don’t know just how expensive potatoes and rice have become,” she says.

Those who buy their flour from the shops or supermarkets have to spend upwards of Sh230.

The prices of rice, meat, eggs, cooking oil and just about anything else that ends up in the stomach have hit the roof.

The challenge many families now face is how to ensure they remain healthy eating just one meal a day.

According to Juliet Njeri, a nutritionist with Juliet Ronica Nutrition Services (JRNS), families can still find a way to eat healthy.

“Families can resort to eating legumes which are relatively cheap but quite nutritious,” says Njeri.

“Instead of eating one meal a day, it is advisable to eat small portions of food at least twice a day.

“There is also the option of engaging in kitchen gardening where you can plant sukuma wiki and spinach. This can be done on the balconies of your apartment using sacks or plastic containers,” she advises.

“People should also consider buying other types of meat like matumbo, which is rich in iron and very good for pregnant women. You can also buy omena which is cheaper compared to meat,” says Njeri.