This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Friday, July 19, 2019, marked a significant shift in Nairobi's food landscape as residents increasingly sought organic produce. The city's conventional vegetables were often tainted with pesticide residues or grown in unsanitary environments.
Organic food enthusiasts faced a challenge in finding a one-stop market, but several options have since emerged. According to Martin Njoroge, a programmes officer at Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (Koan), some of the organic markets in Nairobi include Kids Ventures Garden Estate, Organic Farmers Market next to Hillcrest, and Karengata Farmers' Market in Karen.
Supermarkets such as Carrefour, Chandarana Foodplus, and Tuskys have dedicated organic food sections. Additionally, groceries like Kalimoni Greens in Karen, Zucchini at ABC Place, and The Corner Shop at Diamond Plaza in Parklands offer organic products.
For those preferring organic basket deliveries, Sylvia Basket, Greenspoon, Kalimoni Greens, and Mlango Farm cater to this demand. Hotels like Bridges Organic Restaurant in the Central Business District serve over 80 percent organic food.
“Demand for organic foods is increasing as more Kenyans become conscious of the link between food and health,” Njoroge said, adding that these foods do not contain agrochemical or pesticide residues. He emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of organic produce by asking for a certificate from the seller, which should bear the “Kilimohai Organic Certification Mark”.
