Nakuru town has some very good hotels that serve people from all walks of life. There is plenty of food produced in and around Nakuru hence a variety to choose from the menu.
Despite the availability of hotels that cater for clients from varying economic backgrounds, there is a certain breed of Nakuru town residents who can never take food from anywhere else but a kibanda.
Those interviewed had different reasons for their choice and they varied from construction workers, college students, and civil servants and those in informal businesses.
“I always prefer eating from a stall where I can freely engage with the proprietor as she prepares food. You always know what she is preparing and the comrade relationship gives me a sense of safety,” says Mary Nyaboke who works at a legal office in town.
Mutiso who works at a construction site says the servings at kibandas are usually bigger and the one on one interaction with the owner makes it possible to get food on credit when times are bad.
For Steve Muiruri a driver with 2NK Sacco, the fact that he can find ready food as early as 9 am at a kibanda is what attracts him.
“Our work is very unpredictable and you never know when you’ll get a chance to eat once the day kicks off. That’s why I always take a heavy meal at the kibanda before my first long distance drive. The food is always ready, hot and fresh,” says Steve.
There were many other different reasons as to why people prefer vibandas and the fact that they are doing a booming business is a reflection of how popular they are. They are to be found right from the town centre at the main matatu stage right up to the estates.
It also emerged that the food they sell is more affordable probably due to the fact that there are not many overheads for the vibanda owners.