Ripe avocados, loquats rotting in Nairobi's posh estates

Ripe fruits rotting on trees in the months of July, August and September is a common occurrence in these parts of Nairobi.

Loquats, avocados and guavas among other fruits are literally rotting in some of the Nairobi’s well-guarded compounds – and many Kenyans have taken notice – yet all they can do at the moment, is salivate from across the fence.

Indeed, it is not uncommon to bump into people trekking on the walkways – and ‘discussing the hanging fruits’ – and what they would do unto them were they to get a free pass.

Linda Mugo, a resident of Buruburu told Wananchi Reporting that some of the families don’t allow their own children to eat the fruits. Some of these children have no idea the fruits are edible.

“Many people even in these families don’t know that the fruits are edible, especially these kids who were born in the city, and think that these are wild fruits. They would rather buy from the supermarket,” said Mrs. Mugo.

According to Mrs. Mugo, most of the well-off families get their fruits from the supermarkets, those in the gardens are left to birds.

A kilogram of avocados costs as much as Sh200 in the supermarket. It’s a bit cheaper at the markets.

A gardener in one of the homes in the affluent Kileleshwa estate told Wananchi Reporting that some rich families allow their workers to harvest the fruits for free.

“August and September is usually the season for such fruits, in some homes like where I work, guards and other workers are allowed to harvest the fruits and take them home to their families,” he said.

Adding that, “some parents in these posh estates, don’t allow their children to eat the fruits or touch the fruits just in case they suffer allergies or stomach aches as they consider them ‘wild’.”

A secretary in one of the leading communication firms in Kenya told Wananchi Reporting that their Managing Director, who lives in the affluent Westlands area of Nairobi, brought a sackful of avocados to the office for the entire staff. The avocadoes came from his compound.

According to nutritionist Annette Mwangi, fruits such as loquat are a good source of vitamin A and a good antioxidant.

“But people living in uptown and posh estates ignore them. I remember a friend who lives in Karen almost went mad afternoon her son ate loquats, luckily she called me and I advised her to relax,” she says.

The expert argues that parents who live in posh homes with such fruits should not restrict their children from taking them as they are natural, and rich in nutrients.