US-Based Kenyan Imports 500 Chapatis Through JKIA in Quest for Authentic Taste

Kenyan expatriate Owen Githanga recently drew significant attention online for successfully transporting 500 chapatis from Kenya to the United States.

His remarkable logistical endeavour has resonated with the Kenyan diaspora, highlighting the lengths individuals will go to maintain culinary connections to their homeland. Githanga's recent shipment follows a previous attempt in which he transported 250 chapatis. His motivation stems from a desire to replicate the unique flavours of Kenyan chapatis, which he believes differ significantly when made with American ingredients.

"If you live in Kenya, it’s hard to understand why I carried 500 chapatis. Chapatis are abundant in Kenya; you can find them anywhere," Githanga says.

He emphasizes that while wheat flour is readily available in the US, it fails to deliver the authentic taste associated with chapatis made in Kenya. Economic factors also played a crucial role in Githanga's decision to ship chapatis. He notes the relative affordability of chapatis in Kenya compared to the exorbitant prices he would encounter in the US, where obtaining 500 chapatis could cost hundreds of dollars.

To navigate the logistics, Githanga cleverly packed some chapatis in his carry-on luggage, while others were securely wrapped and shipped through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Githanga informs potential shippers that non-perishable items such as chapatis are allowed through US customs. However, he advises checking food import regulations before shipping to avoid complications.

The food items prohibited by US Customs and Border Protection include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry products, and dairy items such as milk and cheese, which are restricted to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and invasive species. The success of Githanga's chapati shipment reflects a broader trend among members of the Kenyan diaspora who seek to preserve their cultural culinary heritage while living abroad.