Francis Thoya’s journey to improving the health of children in Kilifi County began with an unexpected turn of events. Before 2020, Thoya was an event planner, organizing weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought his business to a halt as social gatherings were prohibited. Struggling to adapt, he initially ventured into selling dried shark meat, a food with a long shelf life, in hopes of helping people stockpile food during the lockdowns. Unfortunately, the venture quickly faced challenges. The supply of shark meat dwindled due to overfishing, and the strong smell of the meat became a social obstacle, forcing Thoya to abandon the business.
Amid these struggles, Thoya found a new purpose when he came across alarming statistics about malnutrition in Kilifi County. Pregnant women and children under five were suffering from significant nutritional deficiencies, which motivated Thoya to explore ways to combat this problem. He began researching the health benefits of local resources, particularly fish, cassava, and fruit. This research led him to a simple yet innovative idea: creating a nutritious snack that would be both affordable and appealing to children.
Thoya experimented with combining fish, cassava, and fruit into a baked product. After several months of trial and error, he developed Samaki Biscuits, a nutritious and affordable cookie designed to address the region’s malnutrition issues. These biscuits are rich in essential vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Cassava provides energy, fish supports brain development, and fruits offer natural sweetness and essential minerals. The result is a well-rounded, nutrient-dense snack that is easy to consume and beneficial for both children and adults.
The idea quickly gained traction when a local pastry chef, Ngumbao Kazungu, joined Thoya’s efforts, offering his culinary expertise to improve the production process. Together, they perfected the recipe, using fresh fish that is cleaned, dried, and ground into powder. This fish powder is combined with cassava flour, a staple crop in Kilifi County, and fruits like pineapples, mangoes, and bananas, which are either dried and powdered or turned into puree. The mixture is then shaped into cookies and baked for 45 minutes to an hour, preserving both the nutritional value and the delicious crunch. To extend the shelf life, the cookies are packaged in airtight containers after cooling, ready for distribution.
The biscuits were tested in a laboratory at Pwani University, where they were found to be a viable solution to the region’s malnutrition problem. The university’s researchers highlighted that the project integrates the key value chains of the county—fruits, fish, and cassava—and expressed interest in conducting further research to explore additional benefits the cookies may offer.
Beyond addressing nutritional issues, Thoya’s initiative has positively impacted the local economy. He sources fruits and cassava from nearby farmers, supporting small-scale agriculture in Kilifi. Additionally, local fishermen now have a reliable market for their catch, which boosts their income and reduces waste. Thoya’s commitment to both improving public health and fostering local economic development has made his business a win-win situation for the community.
The impact of Samaki Biscuits has been profound, particularly among parents who have seen their children’s health improve. One parent shared how the biscuits had helped restore her child’s strength, citing the child’s newfound energy and vitality. Initially, Thoya sold just 10 packets of biscuits per week, but demand has grown significantly, and he now sells over 1,000 packets weekly.
Despite the growing success of Samaki Biscuits, Thoya faces ongoing challenges, particularly in securing funding to expand production and distribution. However, the gratitude expressed by the families who have benefited from his work keeps him motivated. Thoya’s goal is to ensure that no mother or child in Kilifi, and eventually beyond, suffers from malnutrition.
For now, Samaki Biscuits remains a small-scale operation, but Thoya has bigger dreams. He plans to increase production, form partnerships with educational institutions and medical facilities, and expand distribution beyond Kilifi County. His ultimate mission is to prove that significant problems can be solved without relying on large factories or expensive machinery. Thoya’s dedication to improving the lives of children in his community is evident in the success of Samaki Biscuits, a snack made with care and aimed at nourishing the next generation.
