This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Since the release of Dennis Okari's documentary on the use of preservatives in meat, many in Nairobi have been left wondering what they can safely eat. The documentary highlighted the increasing use of harmful preservatives in the meat industry, leaving consumers questioning the safety of their food.
For some, the scare has led to a no-meat diet, with others resorting to scouting through chunks of meat, leaving a pile of probably good meat on their plate. The sudden decline in the number of buyers has led some butcheries to put up signs claiming their meat is safe.
But the issue goes beyond just meat. A recent survey by Transparency International found that over 130 million people in 35 African countries, including Kenya, paid bribes to access public services. This culture of corruption has led to a vicious cycle of profit at all costs, even if lives are lost.
As one resident of Nairobi noted, 'What is safe to eat nowadays? I am afraid of eating salad in hotels and restaurants, especially in Nairobi, since it is not unheard of to get cholera.' The fear of food poisoning is a common concern in the city, with many residents opting for a no-meat diet or avoiding certain foods altogether.
But the issue of corruption and lack of proper systems goes beyond just the food industry. It is a cycle that affects us all, and one that needs to be addressed. As the author notes, 'We often fail to realise that all this is closely linked to how corruption and lack of proper systems is a cycle that affects us all.'
