Artisan enjoys healthy income from sugarcane juice

Charles Odira loves warm weather because on sunny days his business thrives better than on cold ones.

Early this month Mr Odira made a fortune quenching the thirst of crowds that attended the Nairobi International Trade Fair.

Beside him was a sugarcane crushing machine which he used to demonstrate how he extracts juice from cane.

Mr Odira sells a cup of the juice at Sh50. He also mixes the juice with ginger and lime to enhance its taste and medicinal properties, depending on a client’s needs.

Mr Odira, who was visiting the Nairobi trade fair, said the business was thriving in Kisumu where he has set base.

His love for sugarcane started at a young age. His father used cane juice to make jaggery, better known as sukari nguru, from his farm.

As a result, the young Odira learnt the different species of sugarcane and their refreshing nature and medicinal value from an early age.

During a visit to the Mombasa International Trade Fair last year, Mr Odira stumbled on a long-time friend at the Kenya Sugar Research Foundation stand who was show-casing sugarcane crushing machines.

“By then sugarcane juice was a common drink in Mombasa, I decided to save and buy the machine,” he said.

The machine was sourced from China but due to constant break downs, he fabricated some of its parts. Mr Odira ventured into business early in his life.

He started processing peanut into butter and flour in 2003. He also fabricated machines and improved their performance. The business picked up well, which inspired him to venture into extracting sugarcane juice.

“It’s always hot in Kisumu and people inevitably cool down with a cold drink. Many prefer sugarcane juice to other beverages,” he said.
He sells a 250ml sachet of the juice at Sh10, making it one of the most affordable healthy beverages in the market.

“People do not consume some products because they are unaware of their health benefits. I am hopeful that this is going to be a good business line for me,” he said.

The juice is cheaper in Kisumu, compared to other Kenyan towns, due to the abundance of sugarcane in the area. A one-metre piece of sugarcane can produce up to four litres of juice, which requires no additives or preservatives and can be refrigerated.

Mr Odira said that he participates in various trade fairs through partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture and non-governmental organisations keen on educating people on benefits of sugarcane juice. The drink is nutritious and rich in minerals such as calcium and iron.
Chewing sugarcane is common in Kisumu both as a substitute for candy and to quench thirst.

Healthy properties

It’s also said to have an abundance of healthy properties. The juice cleans kidneys and is a good remedy for sore throat and flu. Diabetics can enjoy it without being concerned about soaring sugar levels.

However, those with type II diabetes should avoid too much of the juice. It also assists with constipation because of its high potassium content. It lowers high body temperatures during fevers. Regular intake of sugarcane juice helps fight against prostrate and breast cancer.
The juice re-hydrates the body fatigued from heat and physical activity.

It’s also known to boost performance in athletes and manual labourers. Sugarcane juice also helps in speedy recovery from jaundice.

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