Street food; a setback or a breakthrough to comrades

By mbunguyu Benson

In the streets near chuka University campus the atmosphere is filled with aroma of sizzling samosas, grilled maize, boiled eggs ,fried meat attached to sticks and fruits of all sorts. The street food scene, with its affordability and accessibility, has become a cornerstone of a comrade life. But while it offers convenience and affordability to comrades on a budget, a debate arises on whether street food represent a breakthrough or a setback to the well-being and aspirations of comrades?

On one hand, street food has undeniably broken barriers for university students. With the rising cost of living, these fast foods provide an essential solution. ‘chips', and ‘bajia’ can sustain a comrade through back-to-back lectures and late-night study sessions. It embodies resilience, entrepreneurship, and creativity, often prepared by vendors who understand the students struggles firsthand. For many comrades, street food fosters community, bringing together peers over shared conversations.

However, this convenience comes at a potential cost. Health experts warn of the risks associated with street food, including hygiene concerns and nutritional deficiencies. Many options are high in fats, carbs, and sodium but lack vital nutrients. For students relying heavily on this feeding scheme, it raises questions about their long-term health. Moreover ,the lure of street food often replaces more wholesome, home-cooked meals, which may have a better balance of nutrients.

From a broader perspective, some argue that street food culture inadvertently perpetuates the struggles of comrades. It reflects a system where students must compromise on basic necessities due to financial constraints. While the vendors thrive, the reliance on inexpensive, easy-to-access meals highlights deeper issues of inequality and insufficient support for students in higher institutions of learning.

Ultimately, whether street food is a breakthrough or a setback for comrades depends on perspective. It symbolizes adaptability, but also raises critical questions about health, nutrition, and systemic challenges. As the debate continues to raise concerns , one thing is clear: street food has become an enduring part of the comrades narrative, shaping their journey in ways both enriching and complex.

Does the convenience outweigh the concerns, or is there a middle ground for comrades to enjoy the best of both worlds ?. Its a question that remain unanswered