Nairobians celebrate as mahindi choma finally sneaks into town

It is no longer uncommon to bump into these young men pushing modified wheelbarrows (with maize roasting on them), in search of their daily bread on the major roads, avenues and streets right inside Nairobi town.

This is probably a clear indication that the business of roasting maize is becoming a vibrant and booming undertaking here in town. 

The mobile Mahindi Choma trolleys are a common site along Tom Mboya street – next to a popular bus stop, also along the Haile Selassie Avenue, Ronald Ngala street, and many other areas that had previously been ‘reserved’ for ‘serious’ fruits like apples, imported oranges, dates and a few good-looking crops.

A quick look-around by Wananchi Reporting revealed that the crop that has for years been pushed to the roadside – is fast gaining acceptance in Nairobi town.

Touts, and hundreds of Kenyans rushing back home from work are increasingly finding it useful to spend a few coins to gnaw at Mahindi Choma served hot in the CBD.

“I used to eat Mahindi Choma only when am in the estates, but now I can enjoy it right here as I work,” Simon Karanja, a tout along Tom Mboya street told Wananchi Reporting.

Roasted Maize is becoming a popular snack in Nairobi town with office workers now trooping to the streets to buy it for breakfast.

“I work at an office in town, but you will find by walking down to buy roast maize which I take with tea. A few of my colleagues sometimes send me,” Jane Awuor said.

The mobile set up is ideally a simple wheelbarrow, hosting a charcoal burner that is firmly erected atop its belly.

The wheelbarrow has compartments – one serves as the maize store – the other room within the whole set up serves as holding area for waste. Then there is the ‘fuel’ compartment or tank. This is where charcoal is stored. It’s a self- contained mobile kitchen.

The roasted maize costs from about Sh10.00 for a small piece, while the entire piece will take you back Sh35 to Sh40. It also depends on the size, and sometimes the time of the day, supply and availability.

The price also often varies slightly depending on the area – with those in more affluent areas, having to pay a little higher for the delicacy.