×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Uji Power: The undying power of Kenyan frugal innovations

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Uji served in a calabash. [iStockphoto]

Many years back, there used to be a drink called chibuku.

It had an interesting tag, chakula kinywaji, which loosely translated means a wholesome drink that is as good as a meal. Was it a clever way to market a new product? It was the first hybrid drink, long before hybrid cars hit the road. Hybrid maize may have been around.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Sports
It's fresh faces and familiar rivals as Stars prepare for 2027 Afcon
Football
SportPesa Premier League: APS Bomet edge Bandari to ease relegation fears
Rugby
Experienced Okello, Chajira named in Kenya Lionesses squad for Rugby Africa Cup
Football
McCarthy set for emotional South Africa reunion after AFCON Draw