This archive report was first published on 4 January 2022.
January 4, 2022, marked a day of disappointment for KFC customers in Kenya as the fast-food chain announced it had run out of imported potatoes, forcing it to substitute chips with local alternatives like ugali.
According to reports, KFC imports its potatoes from various countries, including Egypt, the Netherlands, and South Africa. However, this decision has sparked outrage among Kenyans, who are calling for a boycott of the multinational.
Under the hashtag #BoycottKFC, Kenyans on Twitter are lobbying others to abandon the services, citing the company's decision to import potatoes instead of supporting local farmers. Several Kenyans have highlighted the plight of potato farmers, who suffer post-harvest losses due to lack of adequate market.
One Twitter user, @JohnNgeru, expressed his disappointment, saying, 'Mimi niko team #BoycottKFC sana. If KFC will not buy potatoes from local farmers in Nyandarua and other parts of the country, they should exist the Kenyan market!!'
Another user, @RoadAlertsKE, added, 'KFC are Importing potatoes to make fries here in Kenya, as if we don't have farmers who can supply them with potatoes. On this one, I completely disagree with KFC. Support the local business.'
Responding to the backlash, KFC tweeted, 'Fam it was truly a Furaha December. Mlikula sherehe with your KFC faves. Ya'll loved our chips a little too much, and we've run out.'
However, the company's attempt to placate customers has fallen flat, with many Kenyans calling for a boycott of the multinational.
