SOCIAL MEDIA CHEFS ARE MAKING GOOD FOOD AFFORDABLE, IT’S TIME TO RECOGNIZE THEIR IMPACT

Opinion By Shallom Muthoni- Student KCAU

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Growing up, I loved watching cooking shows on TV. From the well-curated recipes to the meticulous presentation of meals, these programs were both entertaining and educational. But they had one major flaw, most of the dishes featured were far from affordable for the average Kenyan. Today, thanks to social media, cooking content has evolved. Food creators on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are bringing practical, budget-friendly meal ideas straight to our phones, making it easier for households to cook delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank.

Digital chefs like Tik-Toks Rasta Chef have become household names, demonstrating how simple, locally available ingredients can be transformed into exciting meals. By focusing on affordability and creativity, they help Kenyans maximize their food budgets while still enjoying variety. Whether it’s using indigenous vegetables, repurposing leftovers, or finding alternative ingredients, these creators are showing that good food does not have to be expensive.

https://www.tiktok.com/@rastachef.ke?_t=ZM-8urkvTPLEd5&_r=1 (Visit On TikTok)

Photo: Rasta Chef

Beyond cost-saving, they are also playing a crucial role in reducing food waste. Many Kenyans unknowingly throw away food that could still be useful. Through meal planning tips, storage hacks, and creative repurposing of leftovers, digital food creators are helping people make the most of what they have. Simple adjustments, like using vegetable scraps for soup or making breakfast from last night’s ugali, are small but impactful ways to save money and reduce waste especially during such hard economic times.

While their impact is undeniable, many of these creators lack the recognition and support needed to scale their efforts. Partnering with government programs, NGOs, food companies and even Mainstream Media could help amplify their work, ensuring that more Kenyans benefit from their expertise. Supporting these initiatives could also help combat food insecurity by making knowledge on affordable, nutritious eating widely accessible.

Food creators are proving that healthy eating is possible even on a tight budget. With more investment in digital food education, Kenya can move towards a future where households are not just surviving but thriving, one affordable meal at a time.

Shallom Muthoni is a Journalism and Digital Media Student at KCA University,Town Campus. Email: shallommuthonimwangi@gmail.com

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