This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Kenya is facing a severe shortage of lemons, with prices increasing sixfold in recent months. The high demand is attributed to claims that lemons can boost immunity against COVID-19.
According to Judy Mwikali, a fruit vendor at Nairobi's bus station, the demand for lemons has been extremely high, forcing her to increase the price of each piece from Sh3 to Sh20. She attributed the surge in demand to the belief that lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which is crucial for building body immunity.
George Anangwe, a fruits and vegetable vendor in Roysambu, also reported a significant increase in demand for lemons, with some customers willing to pay as much as Sh40 for a piece. He noted that people are now making early orders for lemons, which is a new phenomenon.
At the Nairobi city centre, eateries have started making a concoction of ginger, lemon, and honey, which customers believe can cure COVID-19. The concoction, known as 'Dawa ya Corona' or 'DC', has become a bestseller, with customers ordering deliveries as early as 6:30 am.
However, medics have dismissed the claim that taking lemon concoctions can help fight COVID-19, warning that it could actually aid the spread of the virus. Silas Njuguna, a clinical officer, noted that drinking lemon water and assuming immunity makes some people throw caution to the wind, leading to the virus spreading more quickly.
Globally, there has been an increased uptake of citrus fruits, with scientists attributing this to a viral post on social media claiming that drinking lemon water can provide immunity against COVID-19.
