Most households in Kenya spend a significant amount of money on food stuff and other household items. In most cases, families buy food on regular basis and randomly.
An ordinary Kenyan spends at least Ksh100 on food per day. According to statistics as at 2018, the expenditure on food per capita in Kenya has been increasing at an annual rate of 12.10 per cent.
However, during the pandemic, most people were greatly affected by the rising cost of living, prompting most of them to look for means of saving money. Some who were not used to cooking started doing so with others going to the extent of skipping some meals.
So what should one do to cut on their food expenses? Here are simple tips you could consider.
Prior Research
Anderson Mwendwa, a financial expert based in Nairobi, states: ''Conducting prior research before heading to the the market is very important. As a person on a budget, ask for the cheapest vendor by listening to other buyers opinions."
"Another way you could do your research is by comparing prices so that you can settle with the most affordable vendor. This not only eases your planning but also saves you a lot of money.''
Purchase in Bulk
Consumers should always opt for bulk purchases so as to save on expenditure. However, they should be careful not to overstock so as to avoid wastage when the food stuff they bought go bad. Consider markets such as Marikiti, Gikomba, Wakulima and the likes so that you can get offers on bulk purchases.
Take Advantage Extra Space
If you have access to free space either on your balcony, you can create a kitchen garden. this will help you minimize expenses on vegetables such as kales, tomatoes, coriander.
Have a Budget
Always plan ahead by creating a shopping list of only necessary items. In case you are shopping from the supermarkets or areas that might tempt you to purchase fast food, always have a light meal before you leave the house.
Buy Directly
If you have access to farmers or direct middlemen, always opt to purchase from them. This will save you expenses since the longer the chain of brokers, the higher the cost of the commodity.
Minimise unnecessary Food expenses
When preparing meals that do not require so many ingredients or add-ons, always choose a way to minimise such. For instance, meals such as sukuma wiki do not necessarily require tomatoes. Only use what is necessary.
