Kenyans are being advised not to buy cooking oil from the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) at reduced prices.
A video circulating on social media has raised concerns about the safety and quality of certain products being offered in the market. In the video, a person who purchased cooking oil from the streets of Nairobi expressed doubts about the products.
The individual explained that they bought a total of three 5-liter bottles of cooking oil for Ksh2,800, believing they had made a cost-effective choice. However, to their surprise, they discovered that the cooking oil had been mixed with sewage water.
The price of a 5-liter bottle of cooking oil varies depending on the vendor and can range from Ksh1,350 to Ksh1,800.
At the time of purchase, the buyer believed they were saving money, as they could have purchased the same items at supermarkets for prices ranging between Ksh4,000 and Ksh4,500.
According to the victim, street vendors persuaded them to take advantage of the discounted rates before the products expired.
“I purchased three bottles of cooking oil through a promotion in Nairobi’s CBD. A vendor on the street informed me that I should buy them at a good price before the stock ran out,” the individual stated.
“I checked the seal, and it appeared intact. However, upon opening the bottles, I was hit by a foul odor. Vendors are now mixing the oil with sewage water. I advise you to be cautious when buying items on promotion.”
This incident highlights the presence of unscrupulous traders who seek to clear low-quality or expired cooking oil stock or sell adulterated products at reduced prices.
Such promotions have become increasingly common as traders target unsuspecting consumers.
In September, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) cautioned Kenyan consumers against purchasing bananas from supermarkets, citing potential use of harmful chemicals in cultivation and storage processes. COFEK encouraged consumers to obtain fruits and vegetables from reputable suppliers who adhere to safety standards.
