With the rising Nairobi population, traders are faced with the challenge of meeting the demand for fresh vegetables.
As such, a majority of them get the veggies from the neighbouring counties such as Kajiado and Kiambu.
However, these vegetables are mostly sukuma wiki or cabbages which are mostly sold in Nairobi.
This is not the case in Kibera since most residents prefer traditional vegetables.
According to Suzie Owiyo who sells traditional vegetables at DC junction, she says her customers usually compete to get the vegetables since they are scarce.
‘’I get my vegetables from my rural home in Nyamira where I preserve them and sell them at a higher price but customers have never stopped buying. My customers complain if I fail to bring enough stock. They really love traditional vegetables. I sell kunde (cow peas leaves), saga,” said the Suzie.
One of her customers Hezra Musa said he really loves traditional vegetables since they do not require frying and spices to prepeare.
“The vegetables are pocket friendly, if I buy them I will not be disturbed to buy oil and spices,” said Hezra.
Milka Kajwang Tito said her grandmother told her the vegetables are nutritious and therefore good for our bodies.
“Some of the vegetables can be used as medicine. I used to see her when she had a stomachache she used to say she needs some bitter traditional vegetables to clean her stomach,’ said Milka.