This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Published on August 23, 2019, a peculiar delicacy known as kadzora, or roasted rat, has been a staple in the Mijikenda community for decades.
Among the Giriama, Kauma, and Chonyi communities in Malindi town, kadzora is a highly treasured delicacy that has made its way back into the towns loved by both local and international tourists.
According to Fred Katana, a 42-year-old farmer who hawks roasted rats, each skewer has four roasted rats and goes for Sh50. In a day, they sell about 60 to 70 roasted rats, earning them around Sh750 to Sh800.
Mr. Katana clarified that kadzora are different from the house rats, which are inedible. The rodents are caught using local traps and food, and preparing them does not require slaughtering and skinning.
"The best time to get the best rats is during the harvest season. A trap can catch either one or up to five Kadzora at a time," Mr. Katana said.
Locals in Malindi have been enjoying the delicacy since childhood, citing benefits such as improving sex life. A medic, Dr. Lewis Tinga, warned that house rats are unhealthy, while a nutritionist, Ms. Martina Adega, said the delicacy is healthy due to its high protein content.
