Over the past two days, Kenyans on Twitter have been cussing KFC over their imported warus(potatoes)
A section of Kenyans have questioned why KFC cannot give local farmers the tenders to supply potatoes or support the value chain in one way or the other.
KFC, Chicken-In etc are shutting down their cancer, obesity and diabetes causing vibandas in western nations for Africa and especially Kenya. Live healthy, avoid junk #BoycottKFC
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@CisNyakundi) January 4, 2022
The problem with #BoycottKFC is that our farmers are not part of #KOT brigade. They are in distant places like Elgeyo Marakwet where 100kgs of potatoes will sell for as low as the price of two jwalas of chips mwitu.
Who will enlighten the real farmers before brokers exploit them? pic.twitter.com/fImckH9qk1— FrankDavidPR (@FrankDavidPR) January 5, 2022
Kenyans, BOYCOTT KFC.
Stop wailing about those selling unhealthy and dirty foods to Africans like KFC.
Very few people are eating DIRTY KFC fries and chicken globally.
Eat healthy. Be productive. Live longer.#BoycottKFC
— Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) January 4, 2022
Due to global standards, KFC does not source its potatoes locally but instead imports them in large quantities of pre-cut sliced blanched and frozen potatoes.
Amid the ongoing controversy, KFC on Tuesday issued a statement saying there could be an opportunity to source potatoes from local farmers should they meet its global standards.
“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,” KFC said in a statement.
KFC, however, noted that at the moment it works with local suppliers on certain items.
“At KFC Kenya, we work with a number of local Kenyan suppliers to serve our customers locally sourced produce and ingredients in our restaurants. These currently include core items including our poultry; fresh vegetables; bread buns; packaging; flour and ice cream to name a few,” said the food chain.
This furious uproar from KOT has woken up the sleeping National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK).
Toothless NPCK has said it is willing and capable of introducing new potato varieties in the country amid rising demand for diversified types of the produce among local eateries.
According to NPCK, Kenya’s lands are rich and fertile enough to support different potato strains since local farmers are already cultivating approximately 62 varieties of the food crop.
“With proper arrangement and planning, all potato varieties can be introduced in Kenya. The Potato Council is willing to support the introduction of new potato varieties and help farmers produce them,” NPCK CEO Wachira Kaguongo told the Standard in an interview.
NCPK’s main responsibility is to help plan, organize and co-ordinate potato value chain activities with the aim of developing the sub-sector into a competitive and self-regulated industry.
While calling on the government to support the cultivation of the food crop, Kaguongo highlighted that it was not practical for the government to allow Kenyan businesses to import potatoes owing to exaggerated costs when they are locally readily available.
“Importation is expensive and Kenya is losing currency and therefore I would encourage them (eateries) to work with the local industry so that we can supply. Our farmers can supply to the entire world. Kenya is known to produce good quality produce,” the NPCK boss added.
The famous food joint known for its ‘Finger Lickin’ Good’ slogan earlier on Monday took to social media to apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers and announce alternatives such as Ugali and snack buns that were added to their menus, to accompany chicken meals, as the eatery works to resolve its current predicament.
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. Sorry! Our team is working hard to resolve the issue. In the meantime here are some SWAP options for combo meals if you are craving our Kuku. pic.twitter.com/ylvnqxtPD0
— KFC Kenya (@KFCinKenya) January 3, 2022
