Kenyans have resulted to unorthodox methods to sweeten their tea after the massive crackdown by the government on counterfeit sugar.
The lack of sugar is also attributed to consumers avoiding sugar produced by the companies mentioned in the contraband sugar scandal.
This has prompted retailers not to stock their shelves at all.
[caption caption="an almost-empty supermarket shelf in Nyeri"]
[/caption]
Supermarket shelves remain empty in most parts of the country which traders have attributed to failure by the government to explain how to identify contraband sugar.
In Nyeri town, people have been forced to contest with the lack of sugar in all the major retailers, rendering them helpless in attempts to sweeten their tea.
In parts of Western Kenya, sugar prices have gone up with about 20-30 shillings, a move that surprised many consumers.
However, the most hard-hit area is Lamu where a kilo of sugar that previously traded between Ksh 90 and Ksh100 is now priced between Ksh 250 and 300.
Peter Jillo a retailer in the area told The Star that he does not restock sugar because of unending frustrations from the police.
“Since the crackdown started every sugar has become contraband. They see sugar in your shop they take it and arrest you,”
The residents have now opted to heating sweets and adding the syrup to their tea for taste.
[caption caption="Some of the contraband sugar nabbed by the DCI"]
[/caption]
Joel Mwalengu a resident indicated that he cannot afford to buy the pricey sugar available and has opted to buy a packet of sweets as a substitute for sugar.
“My wife adds a few pieces of sweets to tea and other food. It's not the best option but its better than nothing,” he disclosed.
Locals asked the government to intervene and help to restore their normal way of life.
