Families in Nairobi opt for eggs in meals amid rising cost of living

Families in Nairobi and its outskirts are opting for eggs in their diet as opposed to pricier foodstuffs such as meat.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, they said it is more bearable for them given the tough economic times.

 With a crate of eggs going for between Ksh. 430 to Ksh. 560, a section of city residents have opted for the delicacy.

"My family used to enjoy some nyama at least once or twice a week. But we have been forced to cut down on spending," Miriam Mokua said.

For Mokua, who lives in Donholm Estate, it is less expensive to buy a crate of eggs, than buying a kilogram of meat.

"A crate of eggs will feed my family for at least a week. It helps cut down on spending as resources are now limited," she added.

A few metres from her is Darius Omollo, who is a carpenter by profession. "Mambo ya kula nyama nilisahau kidogo. Mimi naishi mwenyewe (I had to stop eating meat for a while. I live alone)," Omollo said.

He added that he was forced to send his family to the village months ago due to the high cost of living.

"Imagine sending my family home and still not being able to afford a quarter kilogram of meat," he lamented.

Omollo said he instead opts for eggs or omena to sustain him.

Traders however fear that the prices could shoot up further, given the recent hike in fuel prices.

"Transportation costs have hit the roof. Sending a rider to deliver eggs is now more expensive," Mercy Kabaka, a proprietor in the business says.

According to her, the average costs of transport have nearly doubled, eating into her profits at the Kabaka Egg Centre in Kitengela.

Experts said eggs have numerous health benefits including Vitamins A, B5, B12, B2, Selenium, Calcium, Protein.

It remains the go-to fix for a quick meal for most homes in the capital amid the rising cost of living.