Rising cost of ugali opens door for githeri

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At Pavement Food Court and Fryz in Eastleigh's Section Four, a white size A-4 poster can be seen at the entrance.

Though faded, the writings are clear and in bold. 'TO OUR ESTEEMED CUSTOMERS FROM 14/4/2017 CHIPS IS NOW Sh80,' it reads.

Another eatery, Rangers Ark Café at Kamu House, near Eastleigh's Section Four main stage, sells chips at Sh100.

Previously, the delicacy went for Sh80 while Pavement Food Court was selling it at Sh70, which shows even the city's famous 'grab and go' meals have not been spared by the high cost of living.

A spot check by The Standard in Huruma Estate revealed many were turning away from 'ugali and nyama' to a mixture of maize and beans (githeri).

"It is worse. In my ten years in this business, I have never seen such harsh times. I used to do 60kg or even 70kg a day; now selling 15kg is a miracle," said Arthur Kimani, who owns a butchery in the area.

But on the other hand, Eunice Mwangi is one happy woman. It was 5:30pm and she was already done with her day's job; selling boiled githeri. "This is the meal in this area. My sufurias are empty, I have sold everything. But a month ago I was struggling," said Eunice.

She explained she had even been forced to strategically increase her githeri by at least a kilo and a half - for both maize and beans to - meet the rising demand.

"But the price of beans has risen from Sh80 to Sh120 a kilo, which also forced me to reduce the portions," she said. She uses a plastic tea cup to measure out a Sh30 portion.

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