KFC: First US chain in E.Africa's untapped market

Customers wait to place their orders at a Kentucky fried chicken restaurant at the Nakumat junction in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- You can't buy a Big Mac in Kenya. There are no Burger Kings. But there's good news for chicken lovers: KFC just opened its first restaurant in East Africa.

The shiny red-and-white KFC in the new wing of an established Nairobi mall is the first American fast food outlet in East Africa's most developed economy, and there are indications its entrance could herald a rush of U.S. chains into this untouched but potentially lucrative landscape.

The major reason that neither golden arches or Whoppers are found in Nairobi is concern over the supply chain. The KFC investors worked with a Kenyan chicken supplier for more than a year to bring it up to the quality control standards demanded by KFC's parent company, Yum Brands Inc.

The restaurant's Aug. 11 opening was met with long lines of enthusiastic customers. Some waited for up to 90 minutes to be served.

more..
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/odd/news/20110828p2g00m0dm009000c.html

Just like many people here in the US do. Nobody will be forced to eat it, I'm sure. In fact, it's going to be expensive, compared to local food. So, I wouldn't worry too much. I doubt if people will get sick eating KFC once in a while. Maybe someone will open a vegan restaurant there to compete with KFC...

Seems to me there are many more worthy things to be concerned about in East Africa. :shrug:

The best food I ever had was in Africa, local barbeque style from traditional recipes. When I tell this to people, they usually don't believe me.

It's a shame that they can't take the money and invest it in a fast food chain that sells healthy, local foods instead of exporting our diabetes factory crap.

It's called Kenchick, and it's very popular. Food is fried chicken and french fries. It's the largest fast food chain in Kenya. Looks like KFC has its work cut out for it.

http://www.surasafi.com/businesses/kenchic/