BUSINESS STRATEGY

Colonel Sanders hasn’t chickened out of the Rwandan fast-food market

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

After a temporary absence from Kigali, KFC is making a comeback and plans to increase its presence in the country.

International fast-food brand KFC is about to re-establish its presence in Rwanda and plans to open three outlets in Kigali in the near future.

This is according to reports appearing in local media and on social media platforms. KFC Rwanda has also foreshadowed its reappearance with a series of humorous posts designed to heighten anticipation among local consumers.

Kuku Foods, the franchise holder of the KFC brand in East Africa, has recently opened its first outlet in Rwanda in 2020. However, the brand never progressed beyond that, and the only outlet closed in December 2025 as the premises were being demolished to allow for road expansion.

A social media teaser campaign by KFC Rwanda. Photo: Facebook

“Images of the demolished structure circulated widely online, triggering intense debate and claims that the American restaurant chain was closing shop in Rwanda,” local news organisation KT Press reported this week.

“KFC has since begun constructing a new flagship outlet opposite Simba Supermarket in Kimironko, on the premises of the former Engen fuel station.

“Construction works have been ongoing for about a week, and the facility is expected to be completed within the next two months.”

Three outlets to open shortly

Quoting unnamed sources, KT Press says the Kimironko outlet will be joined by two additional restaurants – one in Gikondo, Kicukiro District, and another in Muhima, Nyarugenge District. All three stores are expected to open at around same time.

Comments the social media page Brands in Rwanda: “For many international travellers, familiar brands like KFC should offer a sense of comfort and predictability, especially for those not yet accustomed to local cuisines.

“In that sense, global quick-service restaurant brands quietly play a role in shaping a city’s cultural accessibility, making it easier for visitors to settle in, explore and spend.”

While KFC’s presence in Rwanda is limited, the brand is strong in other parts of East Africa. Kenya, for example, has close to 40 outlets while Uganda has just over 20.

Across Africa, KFC has around 1,500 stores across 22 countries. South Africa is by far the most dominant, with more than 1,000 stores.

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