Westlands Organic Market

June 2, 2016

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By: Mariam Kouyate

The instant I heard about the Westlands Organic Market my eyes actually lit up. The idea of this market was like a bloody shot of red beetroot straight into my vein…I was juiced up by the very thought of it.

On Sunday, 29th May 2016, the 5th edition of the Westlands Organic Market was held at the Alchemist Bar. It is an event that curates an afternoon of fun, fitness, music and shopping. If you have a hunger for organic produce, recycled crafts and ethical businesses, this is the spot to satisfy those cravings. The event began at 11 a.m. when Checkmate offered a Yoga session for all the early birdies…I confess that I am a practiced African timer.

It was slightly past midday when my friend and I walked in, wondering if we would be let in because of our darker complexions. The askari at the gate took a sip of the jade green drink he held on his hand and ushered us in, smiling,“Karibu Alchemist!”. Even at the entrance we could taste the love and good health.

The arrangement of booths scattered around the property was not in the least overwhelming. It was easy to walk around and engage with the vendors. The riotous colours of different fabrics, African art and fruits were accompanied by the smells of all things wholesome. The health enthusiasts present appeared to be vibrant, and their eccentric natures were sustained by a subtle background thrum of afro-beats. Instead of a noisy hot market day, Westlands Organic Market was a tuneful experience, an orchestra of sound, smell and taste.

The first interaction I had was with a herbalist, Mr. Gichoya Kieru, the Sales Manager at Ziplas Foods. They grow and package chia seeds in Uganda and also grow Pepino melons in Limuru. He spoke about the numerous health benefits of chia seeds and how they are a good protein substitute for Vegetarians. The next stand was Mercy Honey Products. Mercy is a beekeeping consultancy that also deals in raw honey, comb honey, propolis and beeswax products. The honey was boiling so sweetly the bees couldn’t keep away.

The Kitchen Mechanics turn up the heat at any meal with their range of chilies and butter—sweet, hot, fantastic! Their assortments are a concoction of chilies mixed with fruits like passion, rhubarb and tree tomato. I sampled the beets chili sauce and it was the most adventurous highlight of the day.

“The essence of going natural is to avoid anything that will cause a reaction with your skin,” Dianah from Love Tess explained. Love Tess is a natural beauty company that specializes in makeup, body and hair products. Their products are absolutely chemical free.

Thiitu Karega, the founder of Binti Naturals, attracted a gaggle of beautiful ladies to her stand. She creates organic hair and beauty products sourced throughout the African continent. Binti Naturals ranges from hair and body butter, body oils and treatments. The ladies were loyal customers and as we spoke about natural hair it felt like a revolution was brewing. They convinced me to try out the deep conditioning hot oil treatment. I couldn’t resist and my mane is now radiant.

Say it with chocolate is Jazeera’s vitrine of love. Her hand made chocolate is exciting, with assortments like lemon ginger, orange, mint white, rose, chili, tequila rum, apple, cardamom, coconut white and more tempting flavors. After sampling most of the delicious chocolates, I had my heart stolen by the smooth butterscotch dark chocolate.

The founder of Westlands Organic Market is Ray Mwihaki, who I bumped into as she was pulling out a seat for her mother, said, “It is refreshing to find out healthy, cheap ways to take care of your body. Having a community that nurtures your well-being is only a stair for a productive Nation.”

As time passed, we basked under the sun sipping herbal tea, freshly made juices and exchanging healthy recipes. We chatted all afternoon long.

The next Organic Market will be at The Bus this Sunday 5th June 2016.

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