Kenya's forgotten desserts make a bold comeback in new museum exhibition

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Kenya (NMK) is putting the spotlight on forgotten desserts. From insect-infused cakes to fermented drinks, the displays aim to reignite interest in traditional foods. Experts say these whole foods could tackle climate change and improve health—but many younger people still turn them down as unappealing.

The exhibition, titled Reviving Indigenous Crops in the Public Imagination, features a range of desserts once central to Kenyan diets. Visitors sampled cakes made with termites and crickets, which drew particular attention. Anne Nyandiala, from NMK's Zoology Department, urged communities to reconsider insects as a nutritious food source.

Prof Esther Kioko stressed the health advantages of these desserts, pointing to stinging nettle as a rich iron source. Doctors have also recommended indigenous foods for preventing diabetes and blood-related illnesses. Yet, as Prof Prisca Tanui noted, younger generations often reject them, seeing them as outdated or bland.

The shift away from these desserts dates back to colonial times. Policies then favoured maize over traditional foods, labelling them as backward. Today, experts argue that strong fda policies could help restore their place in diets. Diana Chepkoech's Heritage Bite cookies—made with finger millet, sweet potatoes, and African nightshade—show how these ingredients can fit into modern eating.

While global demand for insect-based proteins is rising (projected to hit 856.08 million USD by 2029), the exhibition focuses on local solutions. Organisers hope to prove that these desserts are not just nutritious but also climate-resilient and culturally valuable.

The NMK exhibition highlights a clear challenge: reviving traditional desserts requires changing perceptions. With support from nutrition policies and creative recipes, these foods could become a regular part of Kenyan meals. Their potential to fight food insecurity and disease now depends on wider acceptance and action.