Kenyans have been cautioned against purchasing cooking oil sold in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) streets at discounted prices.
In a video circulating on social media platforms, a victim who bought cooking oil from Nairobi streets has raised questions about the quality and safety of some products being sold in the market.
The victim explained how he bought three 5-litre cooking oil bottles cumulatively at Ksh2,800. He made the purchase happily believing that he had made a cost-effective choice.
However, to his shock, he soon learned that the cooking oil had been adulterated with sewage water.
Depending on the outlet, a 5-litre bottle of cooking oil retails at between 1,350 and Ksh1,800.
At the time, he thought he was saving posing that he would have purchased the same items at rates ranging between Ksh4,000 and Ksh4,500 at supermarkets.
Per the victim's account, he was enticed to buy the cooking oil by hawkers who convinced him to complete the purchase at discounted rates before the items expired.
"I bought three cooking oil bottles through a promotion at Nairobi's CBD and was informed by one of the vendors on the streets that I should purchase them at a good price before the stocks get depleted," he stated.
"I checked the seal and it was perfect. However, upon opening, I was hit by a foul smell. The vendors are now mixing the oil with sewage water. I advise you to please take heed before buying things on promotion."
The incident shows the rise of unscrupulous traders who attempt to clear low-quality or expired cooking oil stocks or sell adulterated products at discounted prices.
These promotions have become rampant as traders target unsuspecting customers.
In September, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) advised Kenyans against buying bananas sold in supermarkets claiming potential use of harmful chemicals in cultivation and storage processes.
COFEK urged consumers to source fruits and vegetables from reputable suppliers who adhere to safety standards.
