•This innovative approach is rapidly turning such dishes into staples, captivating food lovers across the country.
•The report indicates that Kenya has 54 per cent of global TikTok usage, with 29 per cent of Tiktok activity in the country revolving around staying informed with news updates.
Image: HANDOUT
In a challenging economic landscape where a recent survey by credit firm Tala highlighted that two-thirds of permanently employed Kenyans have turned to side hustles, street food vendors are carving out a vital niche for themselves.
A spot check by in the estates and major streets and across the social platforms has un earthed a trend where young Kenyans are taking to social media to market their food businesses.
The most used social platform for these has been Tiktok.
Leveraging TikTok, these entrepreneurs are not merely selling food; they’re sparking a digital revolution with local dishes like smocha – a mix of smokies, chapati, and salad.
Other foods that have gained fame through this trend are guacamole salad and 'mayai pasua'
This innovative approach is rapidly turning such dishes into staples, captivating food lovers across the country.
As this culinary revolution gains momentum, it’s being amplified by the vibrant energy of Kenya's TikTok users who were named the most vibrant in the social media platform.
According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023 survey, Kenya leads the world in TikTok usage.
The report indicates that Kenya has 54 per cent of global TikTok usage, with 29 per cent of Tiktok activity in the country revolving around staying informed with news updates.
In this digital community, street food content is surging in popularity, with hashtags like Food (43.5 million posts), FoodTikTok (10.4 million posts), and StreetFood (1.4 million posts).
The hashtag KenyanFood, in particular, with 13.7k posts, showcases how local creators are bringing the rich flavours of Kenyan street cuisine to an international audience, illustrating the global reach and local impact of their culinary ventures.
Affordable Delicacies Meet Digital Savvy
Kenya’s street food scene marries affordability with convenience, offering meals often priced under a dollar. This accessibility supports budget-conscious consumers and provides essential income for vendors facing high living and operational costs.
TikTok content creators amplify this by highlighting their culinary skills and the rich history of Kenyan cuisine, tying into broader economic and consumer trends.
With an increasing consumer preference for locally sourced and organic ingredients, vendors are adopting circular economy practices to minimize waste and foster transparency through farm-to-table initiatives (TracexTech).
As these small businesses says they leverage TikTok to expand their customer base and drive sales, they are not just surviving but thriving, turning each post into a potential business opportunity.
adiamos1 on Tiktok says he goes beyond mere food preparation, sharing insights into the entire food cycle—from planting to consumption—while connecting dishes to Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry.
" I also infuse content with humour, reflecting on how certain foods have been depicted in the country’s comics and satire," he says.
Global food influencer @ifys.kitchen during a visit to Kenya, explored a array of street foods like mahindi choma (grilled corn), smokie pasua, mayai pasua, nyama choma, mutura, and savoury broths.
She shares her experiences with these flavoursome delicacies, highlighting the irresistible tastes that had her taking some delights home.
@davidsbeenhere: A globetrotter and food enthusiast, David captures the essence of Kenyan street biryani while offering travel tips for worldwide destinations.
@bitebuddies1: Known as a hub for food lovers in Kenya, Bite Buddies excels in revealing the secrets behind popular street foods, including where to find the best and cleanest spots.
Their content features a variety of Kenyan cuisine and unique street food combinations available.