A significant number of people do not fully understand the difference between organic and inorganic foods.

There is a common misconception that inorganic foods only include unhealthy junk foods such as crisps, hamburgers and fast-food items.

Organic food, on the other hand, is often associated with vegetables and plant-based products.

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But the truth lies in the farming and production methods.

Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals and genetic modification, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

Inorganic food, on the other hand, is produced with the use of external inputs, avoiding synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.

Siha Organics Groceries Store aims to address not only these misconceptions about organic food, but also the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases.

Seif Waziri and Paul Rugendo joined forces, driven by their passions for fitness, lifestyle and farming respectively, to set up the store in Shabaab Ward.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Waziri explains that partnering with his business colleague was a seamless process because of their shared commitment to improving people's lives.

He says that the establishment of the business followed their winning a business start-up competition where they secured Sh900,000 in seed funding. They combined this with their savings to start their business.

Initially, their business focused solely on delivering organic food orders placed through their website.

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However, they eventually expanded their operations by opening a physical store to attract walk-in customers.

"Our initial progress was slow, as we focused mainly on deliveries. It was then that we decided to open a physical store to accommodate additional customers, especially walk-ins," explains Waziri.

He also points out that the company has adopted different marketing strategies and manages its deliveries to optimise cost efficiency and ensure timely service.

Can of Almonds sold at Siha Organics Groceries Store in Nakuru.

Photo credit: Mercy Kihugu/ Mtaa Wangu

The 27-year-old acknowledges that the majority of their customers are between the ages of 20 and 45 years and are looking for convenient ways to access organic food.

As a result, the pair have ensured that the company meets strict quality standards for the products it offers.

Waziri reports that their business earns them an average monthly income of Sh60,000.

Rugendo, 24, mentions that they currently employ four contracted casual labourers on their farm and are looking to increase the production of organic produce to expand their customer base, especially targeting organisations and hotels.

He emphasises the importance of individuals paying attention to their dietary choices in order to prevent lifestyle diseases.

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The duo also stress the importance of government-stakeholder forums before implementing business-related policies.

They believe that such forums would enable the formulation of mutually beneficial guidelines that would benefit both the government and business owners.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

Why you might want to ditch your meal for some organic food

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Mercy Kihugu