Elevating East Africa’s Food, Drink & Hospitality Excellence
The Kenyan Food Event (KFE) is the biggest exhibition serving the food and drink industry across East Africa. With the third edition taking place in November 2025 at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, this industry-leading event offers a pivotal platform for those in the industry looking for new suppliers, producers, and service providers to enhance their business. Meet national and international brands, discover industry opportunities, and network with key market leaders.
Co-located alongside the Kenyan Hospitality Event the cumulative exhibition will make up three key industry segments to bring together over 2,500 fellow stakeholders and key members from the industry.
Food
In 2021, Kenya's food production was $12.3 billion, and is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026. Kenya's food production has grown by an average of 1.2% annually since 1966.
Kenya's food market volume is expected to reach 17,530,000 kg by 2028. The average volume per person is expected to reach 248.20 kg in 2024.
The food industry's total earnings have increased over the past three years, growing 9.2% annually.
Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$62.72bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 9.64% (CAGR 2024-2028). The market's largest segment is the segment Confectionery & Snacks with a market volume of US$14.23bn in 2024.-Statista.com
Beverage
- In 2023, the Kenya beverages market was valued at 1.74 billion liters.
- By 2026, Kenyan beverage sales are expected to reach $3.5 billion, growing at an average rate of 2.4% year on year.
- In 2024, the revenue from alcoholic drinks at home is expected to be US\$3,352 million, with an annual growth rate of 8.03% from 2024-2028.
- In 2024, the revenue from non-alcoholic drinks at home is expected to be US\$5,394 million, with an annual growth rate of 9.43% from 2024-2028.
- By 2025, the carbonated soft drinks market in Kenya is forecast to reach US\$823.33 million, with an annual growth rate of 9.92% from 2020-2025.
Hospitality
In the first quarter of 2023, the sector of accommodation and restaurant services in Kenya grew by more than 21.5%.
The hospitality industry in Kenya is one of the top three revenue earners among Kenya's economic sectors
In the first quarter of 2023, the restaurant and hotel services sector in Kenya grew by over 21.5 percent.
- As of January 9, 2024, Kenya has 3,820 restaurants.
- The restaurant delivery market in Kenya is expected to reach a revenue of US$296.20m by 2024. From 2024 to 2028, it is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.44%, resulting in a market volume of US$424.90m by 2028.
Retail Market
- As of 2022, the retail sector in Kenya was estimated to be worth approximately USD 17.8 billion and is projected to grow annually at around 5-6%, driven by increased demand for consumer goods, food products, and household items.
- In 2023, food retail accounted for about 50-60% of total retail sales, with packaged foods, dairy, and beverages seeing particularly strong growth.
- Premium and Health Foods: The demand for organic, health-conscious, and premium products is increasing, particularly in urban areas, opening up more opportunities for international brands.
Hospitality & Food Service
As of 2022, Kenya’s hospitality industry was valued at approximately USD 3.1 billion, with the food service segment accounting for about 30-40% of this value.
The sector is expected to grow at a 5-7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years, fueled by increasing urbanization, tourism recovery post-pandemic, and growing demand for diverse dining experiences.
The average Kenyan household spends about 40-45% of their total income on food, with a portion of this allocated to eating out, especially in urban areas
Luxury hotels, Boutique hotels and lodges, fast food chains, fine dining and specialty restaurants, cafes and coffee culture is on the rise in the Kenyan market
Wholesale & Distribution
- As of 2023, the wholesale and distribution sector in Kenya was estimated to be worth around USD 10-12 billion, with significant contributions from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment, including food, beverages, and household products.
- The food and beverage wholesale and distribution market alone accounts for a substantial share, driven by both domestic production and imports of products like grains, packaged foods, and beverages.
F&B Imports
- As of 2022, Kenya's food and beverage imports were valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion. This includes raw agricultural products, processed foods, beverages, and ingredients for food processing.
Types of Food Products Imported:
a)Grains & Cereals: Wheat, Rice and Maize
b)Edible Oils and Fats: Palm oil and vegetable oils
c) Sugar and Sweeteners:Uganda, Egypt, and Brazil. The value of sugar imports is estimated at around USD 100-200 million annually.
d) Milk Powder and Dairy Ingredients:dairy imports is around USD 50-80 million
e) Canned and Packaged Goods: including canned vegetables, fruit juices, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Total value exceeding USD 200 million. Pasta and noodles
- The total value of beverage imports is estimated at over USD 150 million annually
- The value of seafood imports is around USD 50-70 million annually.
- The value of fruit imports is about USD 50-100 million annually.
