A proposal by Kenya's Principal Secretary for Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, to have maize millers introduce strawberry- and vanilla-flavoured maize flour has sparked widespread reaction across the country.
Speaking during the Kenya Millers' Fortification Index Awards, Mukhwana urged millers to rethink traditional ugali products to meet changing consumer tastes and address population expansion.
"How are you going to feed 70 million in 2050? We want Ugali that is stand alone, whether it's strawberry, whether it's vanilla,” Dr Juma Mukhwana, Industry Principal Secretary, said.
Demographic Pressure and Market Expansion
Official figures highlight rapid demographic shifts driving the government's call for innovation. Kenya's population has grown from 7 to 8 million at independence to nearly 60 million today.
It is projected to reach 70 million by 2050. Across the continent, Africa's population is expected to rise from 1.4 billion to 2.5 billion over the same period.
Mukhwana challenged processors to develop standalone products capable of crossing oceans to reach international markets. Industry representatives noted that changing consumer behaviour remains difficult in business, but expressed willingness to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Public Backlash and Health Concerns
On social media, the suggestion met immediate resistance from citizens concerned about food safety and additives.
Kendi (@Kendi_K_Ke) expressed strong opposition to synthetic additives.
"They’re about to poison your favourite meal with synthetic vanilla and strawberry extracts. But the Kenyan Bourgeois aspirants will definitely fall for it. Poisoning it with synthetic folic acid is not yielding fast results."
Ken Aseka (@KenAseka) posed a direct question to fellow citizens: "Nani anataka ugali vanilla?"
Karani Mutonga (@Karanimutonga) warned of potential health risks, writing: "Cancer is coming soon. Let me stick with my kisiagi unga.”
Ragoro (@OdhiamboRagoro) echoed these fears, asking: "Don't add chemicals to our ugali buana. Why poison Ugali?"[3].
Taaka 23 (@Tk865378989627) added succinctly: “Hatutaki ma chemical.”
Savoury Alternatives and Humour
Other commentators questioned how sweet flavours would pair with traditional side dishes like kale.
Mihr Thakar (@MihrThakar) suggested alternative savoury profiles instead: "Why not try ugali coconut, ugali beetroot or something like ugali chicken flavour? Who will eat sukuma with strawberry ugali?"
Mack (@whatMackSays) proposed another option: "Ugali lemon ginger.”
Some users responded with satire or reaffirmed their preference for local hammer mills.
Priest™ (@korre01) joked: "Nipee Ugali Strawberry mbili.”
Summer Boy10 (@Kingkid102) cautioned: "Mimi namwambia nyinyi, hapana jaribu.”
Jay (@Joshuajkariuki) confirmed a preference for traditional milled unga, declaring: "Kisiagi it is.”
