Taking a walk on Nakuru town’s bustling streets, one can’t help noticing a new trend that is fast catching on: the sight of locals chewing on succulent stalks of sugar cane.
This habit, though traditional, has recently seen a notable rise and popularity in urban areas. Vendors now line suburban roads, peddling the juicy treats as a cost-effective solution for urbanites grappling with economic challenges to keep body and soul together, thus the snack provides a brief escape from hunger and hardship.
Nakuru, like many towns of Kenya, has witnessed residents struggle to make ends meet in the face of economic hardships.
Rising costs of living, high unemployment rates, and constant hikes in food prices have forced residents to make tough choices about their daily sustenance. In this context, sugar cane has emerged as a popular, affordable option, because it satieties faster due to its high sucrose content, albeit for a short time.
Chewing sugar cane provides a quick, even if momentary solution to hunger. “When I can’t afford a full meal, chewing sugar cane helps me keep hunger at bay for a while,” says James Ngugi, a regular customer at sugarcane vending stalls.
The act of chewing is a both a refreshing experience that also makes one feel momentarily satisfied. This is particularly appealing in a setting where many cannot afford regular meals. A stalk of cane costs Sh20 a piece, which is significantly less than what one will fork out for a full meal in a restaurant, making it an attractive alternative for those struggling to make ends meet.
Beyond considerations of affordability, sugar cane offers other appealing qualities. The natural sweetness of the cane is a welcome delightful treat that can brighten up someone struggling with the stresses of economic uncertainty. “It’s a natural energy booster,” Ngugi adds. “It gives me a quick lift when I’m feeling low.”
In addition, Ms. Sabina Nyamoita, a dietician said sugar cane is a much healthier alternative to processed sugary snacks.
“It is unrefined, meaning it contains no added chemicals or preservatives. The fibrous nature of the cane also aids in digestion and chewing it can serve as a natural stress reliever, a small moment of distraction from daily worries,” the nutritionist says. And chewers tend to sit together as they debate the local politics and occasionally break out into loud laughter, which helps lift them mentally from brooding over the misery that awaits them at home.
While chewing sugar cane remains popular, there is a growing trend towards a liking for sugar cane juice, a more modern twist on this traditional treat. Vendors have started setting up mobile juice stands, blending the cane into a refreshing beverage. This juice is not only sweet and hydrating but also offers a sense of novelty and convenience.
“I decided to start selling cane juice because it’s easier for people to consume and it tastes great,” explains Kamotho Gustine, a local vendor. The process of making cane juice involves crushing the stalks to extract the liquid, which is then strained and often served with a splash of lime or ginger for added zing. This method maximizes the extraction of nutrients and sugars, providing a more intense and satisfying flavor other than chewing alone.
Kamotho said one major reason for the preference towards cane juice is its ease of consumption. Chewing on raw sugar cane can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. For busy residents of Nakuru, especially those juggling multiple jobs or responsibilities, grabbing a quick cup of juice fits better into their hectic schedules.
“Consumers love the juice because they can drink it on the go,” says Mary Njeri, a juice blender. “It’s convenient and refreshing, especially on hot days.”
Additionally, cane juice can be consumed on the go, making it a perfect refreshment for those moving about the city. The drink is also perceived as more hygienic, as it’s prepared on the spot in the presence of customers, reducing concerns about the cleanliness of the raw cane sold on street corners.
Ms. Nyamoita said despite the short-term fullness provided by sugar cane and its juice, the health benefits cannot be overlooked. Sugar cane juice is rich in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, and other electrolytes. It aids in rehydration and is a natural remedy for various ailments such as jaundice and kidney stones. These health benefits make it an even more appealing option for those seeking not just to stave off hunger, but also to boost their overall well-being.
Socially, the sugar cane trade has fostered a sense of community. Vendors, often operating in close-knit clusters, contribute to the local economy and provide a communal space where people can gather, chat, and share in the simple pleasure of a juicy sweet treat.
These interactions help reinforce community bonds, offering a semblance of stability and normalcy amid economic hardship. Julius Makori a sugar cane seller says, much as he started it as a business it has given him numerous friends, who contributed to buy him a wheelbarrow, when he used to hawk using a plastic bucket.
The increasing popularity of sugar cane chewing and cane juice in Nakuru is a poignant commentary on the economic struggles faced by many residents. While it offers a short-term respite from hunger and a burst of energy, it also underscores the broader challenges of food insecurity and the need for affordable nutritional options.
As people navigate life’s difficulties, the simple pleasure of sugar cane, whether chewed or juiced, provides a small but significant respite, a sweet note in the complex rat race symphony of daily survival. And, it is time we asked the million-dollar question, that the children of Israel kept on asking God, while they were in captivity.
Oh God for how long!