Kenyan Startup Kyosk Digital Expands Its African Fresh Produce Market

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_107323" align="alignnone" width="1024"] From L to R KwikBasket Co-Founder and General Manager, Srinadh Kotturu; TechnoBrain Group CEO, Manoj Shankar; Kyosk General Manager – Kenya, Esmie Manda and Kyosk Co-Founder and CE[/caption] The African farming sector received a massive boost on July 4 after a Kenyan startup, Kyosk Digital, a data-led distribution platform, launched its Farm&Fresh line of business to transform the distribution and accessibility of goods and services in Africa through innovative solutions. The Farm&Fresh line of business was launched during an event held at a Nairobi hotel following Kyosk’s acquisition of KwikBasket, a notable industry player acknowledged for its experience in agricultural produce distribution and for delivering valuable services and solutions to farmers, commercial cooks, and other food chain partners. With the launch of Farm & Fresh, Kyosk will combine its large-scale operations and digital-first strategy with KwikBasket's agricultural knowledge to change the African fresh produce industry and build a more effective and inclusive ecosystem. “This acquisition marks a major milestone for Kyosk as we broaden our footprint in the fresh produce market in Africa and enhance our offering to cater to the needs of farmers, retailers, kitchens, eateries, and other consumers. With KwikBasket’s extensive expertise and resources, we are strategically positioned to unlock the full potential of farming in Africa and create a fair and efficient marketplace that benefits all stakeholders in the food chain,” said Raphael Afaedor, Co-Founder and CEO of Kyosk Digital Services. “This expansion presents a unique opportunity for Kyosk to leverage its digital-first and data-led distribution platform to revolutionise the way fresh produce is sourced, distributed, and enjoyed in Africa.” The uLima digital platform, which offered farmers high-quality inputs, specialised market information, and a market, would also be rebranded as Kyosk Farm as part of the launch of the Farm & Fresh line of business. Due to fragmented and inefficient distribution channels, most African farmers confront multiple obstacles, resulting in production losses, low income, wastage, and high food costs. However, Kyosk’s Fresh line will offer farmers access to improved yields, consistent market access, fair pricing, essential information and insights, and agri-inputs. Furthermore, Kyosk Fresh will meet the needs of restaurants, eateries, and other clients by supplying a steady supply of high-quality items. Food safety and quality problems, food waste, high logistical costs, and delays in completing client orders due to extended lead times in the supply chain are all common challenges for kitchens and eateries.