Inappropriate Products and Techniques in UDCs: The Case of Breakfast Foods in Kenya

Kaplinsky, Raphael (1979). Inappropriate Products and Techniques in UDCs: The Case of Breakfast Foods in Kenya. Review of African Political Economy, 6(14) pp. 90–96.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03056247908703387

Abstract

Traditional Kenyan diet is maize flour eaten in porridge form (uji). Covers breakfast cereals from MNC subsidiaries General Foods (US) and Weetabix England licensed to be made locally (Weetabix, Weetaflakes, Post Toasties, Alpen) or imported (Special K, All Bran, Puffed Wheat, Shredded Wheat, Rice Krispies). Also covers Uji Plus from East African Industries (Kenya). Compares vitamin and calorie content compared with traditional foodstuffs, and discusses the license terms which demand large portions of income be used for advertising. This advertising is directed towards urban, often expatriate, elites.