KFC U-TURNS – Kenyan farmers can now supply potatoes to KFC outlets

NAIROBI – The American fast-food chain, KFC, has communicated that Kenyan farmers who meet their set standards will be allowed to supply them with potatoes.
The firm has been forced to look into other alternatives such as these due to the delayed shipments of food supply from overseas.

Wachira Kaguongo, CEO of the National Potato Council of Kenya said that the firm should introduce varieties they deem favourable so that farmers can buy them and grow for onward supply.
He also said they should create synergies with local suppliers which will allow them to source the required commodity from Kenyan farmers.

The firm’s chief executive, Jacques Theunissen said that local farmers who meet KFC’s global quality and safety standards and specifications can supply to their outlets but did not specify these standards and specifications that a potential supplier in Kenya must meet.

“Although we currently import our French fries, there is an opportunity to source the potatoes from a local supplier that meets the global KFC quality and safety specifications in the near future. Unfortunately, the quality and safety specifications for new suppliers are proprietary,” said Theunissen.

Kaguongo said that they are pleased that KFC has rescinded their earlier stand on receiving potatoes from local suppliers. He also pointed out that they have been lobbying to supply them with potatoes and that meeting their standards will not be an issue.

Last Monday, KFC said that they cannot bypass the set global quality standards and allow local farmers to supply them with potatoes and fill in the supply gap they had. This decision was set to deny farmers whose product goes to waste instead of benefitting from lucrative tenders in times of shortages such as this one.
The country has seen increased interest from other global fast-food outlets such as Cold Stone Creamery and the sandwich chain Subway.

According to a study done by McKinsey, a young population, disposable household incomes and fast economic growth is attracting global players to emerging markets.

Nairobi already hosting a number of multinational organizations is attracting global restaurant operators.
KFC has 35 outlets in East Africa with operating shops in countries like Uganda and Rwanda. They have more than 24, 000 outlets in more than 145 countries globally.

– DAILY NATION, Kenya.