By now I am sure you have heard about it. It has been trending on social media for a few weeks now. But it is only now that the wave of okra water is catching up with the women of Nakuru.

A good number of them have now joined the bandwagon of women who have taken up the practice of drinking okra water, mainly for its purported sexual health benefits.

Mtaa Wangu conducted an investigation into this trend, focusing on why women in Nakuru are embracing okra water, and also spoke to local traders to understand the impact of this newfound popularity on the okra market.

Trizah Njeri shared that she and her friends started consuming okra water as part of their skincare routine after noticing its growing popularity online.

"I've seen that okra water has been trending lately but we started using okra as part of our skin care routine because I've seen that it's also very helpful in terms of skin care," said Njeri.

However, she was unsure about the length of time it would take to see results.

Njeri has also experimented with incorporating okra into her diet and found it to be an interesting addition, despite its relatively high cost.

Two pieces of okra currently cost Sh25.

Ann* testified to the benefits of drinking okra water, noting reduced cramps and improved bowel movements.

She admitted that it's not pleasant to drink as it's very slimy, so she decided to add oranges to the water.

Paul Mwaniki, a trader at Wakulima market, started selling okra two years ago. He notes that the demand for okra has increased since he started selling the product.

Paul Mwaniki sells Okra at Wakulima market in Nakuru.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

Mwaniki says that the demand is mainly from older women compared to young women. This has led him to increase his stock from 50kg to 100kg, which he sells at Sh120 per kg.

"Some people are even buying the okra to experiment to see if what they see on social media is true, but I know it's a very healthy vegetable," says Mwaniki.

Daniel Muraya started selling okra in 2019 and notes that the demand for okra is among the South Sudanese community in Nakuru. There are those who buy for him to help cure some health conditions and others buy to use as a skin and beauty product.

Daniel Muraya began selling okra in 2019.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

He reveals that the South Sudanese purchase okra in large quantities, such as 20kg, as they use it as food during their celebrations.

Muraya notes that he sells the okra at Sh100 per kg and also sells okra powder, which he sells at Sh100 per 100 grams.

Does Okra Water promote sexual wellbeing? Nakuru women speak out

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Muthoni Wanjiku