Kenyan potato framers nearing a deal with KFC.

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th June 2022

Kenyan potatoes will be on the menu at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in the coming month. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), and the American fast food company all intervened.

 

ASNET chairman Bimal Kantaria said they contacted KFC's leadership and, in collaboration with the Kenya Potato Council, devised a strategy for KFC's utilisation of Kenyan potatoes.

 

Chairman of the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), Bimal Kantaria:

 

"We now have two companies in Kenya that have invested in technologies to freeze, dry, and supply KFC with chips. It's still a work in progress, but we're thrilled to have Kenyan investors on board."

 

He stated that they are now encouraging farmers to grow the variety of potato that KFC prefers. The Markies variant is used by the fast food chain.

 

Bimal Kantaria:  "KFC has a very specific chip flavour in mind. The company stated that they will buy from us as long as the potatoes are of good quality. We're attempting to secure a long-term agreement with these potato processors. There is sufficient processing capability for these potatoes. Kenyan potatoes will be included on the KFC menu in the next two months."

 

Bimal, who is also the Managing Director of Elgon Kenya, was addressing at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) headquarters in Loresho, Nairobi, at the second National Agriculture Summit.

 

The two-day summit's goal was to explore possibilities to improve agricultural value chain growth, efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, as well as provide feedback on any evidence-based policy proposals.

 

State Department of Livestock PS Harry Kimtai remarked during the ceremony that the government will continue to work with ASNET to harmonise policies that will help agribusiness.

 

Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, who had been invited as the chief guest, was represented by Lawrence Omuhaka, the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Munya stated that the government would assist the business sector in improving food security.

 

Munya, Peter: "Transforming the agriculture sector will provide us the tools we need to tackle pricing and volatility while also enhancing the environment for private investment and establishing more strategic methods to reduce our reliance on food imports."