Global food chains scale up in a maturing retail market

From left: AH Group Chairman Abdinasir Ali Hassa, Express Kitchen Director Ayan Ali, Express Kitchen Director Ahmed Ali and Vivo Energy Head of Non-Fuel Commercial Retail Millicent Ndirangu during the launch of Papa John's Kenya's newest outlet in Lavington. [Bernard Orwongo, Standard]

Global food brands are stepping up investment in Kenya's fast-growing food sector, encouraged by clearer regulation, rising urban demand and a workforce that supports operational scale, industry executives said.

The expansion comes as Kenya's retail food industry grows beyond informal models toward structured, standardised operations that can support multinational chains.