KFC Garden City. [Photo/gardencitymall.co.ke]
Kuku Foods East Africa, the local franchisee of US-based fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has opened a new outlet in Nairobi, raising its national count to 15.
The new drive-through outlet is located within Total petrol station near Safaricom headquarters on Waiyaki Way.
Operations director, Jacques Theunissen, said in a statement that the firm is relying on customer request to implement its growth strategy.
The US-based fast-food chain will open two new outlets, one in Hurlingham and another one first in the region at Rupa Mall, Eldoret by the end of November. There are plans underway to open a branch in Southfield Mall in Embakasi bringing their total branches to 18.
The KFC franchise operates 12 branches in Nairobi, including two in the central business district, Galleria Mall, Garden City Mall, the Junction Mall and the Hub shopping complex. The fast-food chain also has stores in Nanyuki, Nakuru and Kisumu as well as five in Tanzaniaandeight in Uganda.
According to a study by McKinsey & Co, emerging markets such as Africa are enticing global players to come for revenue growth as a result of fast economic growth, rising disposable household incomes and a young population.
The expansion does not come as a surprise as there is increased competition from global players in the fast food industry in the country. The fast-food players include Japanese firm Toridoll, Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery (Ice cream seller), Subway (Sandwich chain) and South African seafood chain Ocean Basket.