Kenyans will soon have access to a groundbreaking digital food shopping app aimed at curbing food waste and losses, set to be launched later this month.
The app will enable stores to connect with consumers interested in purchasing surplus and nearly expired food items at heavily reduced prices.
The Msossi App will facilitate restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels in listing their excess food for quick sale, thereby decreasing the substantial amount of food wasted annually while providing consumers with affordable options and reducing financial losses for businesses.
This initiative comes as Kenya grapples with a significant food waste issue, with an estimated 30–40 percent of all food produced being lost to spoilage and expiration each year, leading to billions of shillings in economic losses and exacerbating food insecurity and environmental stress.
Msossi tackles this issue by offering a digital marketplace for discounted food packs that supports sustainability while delivering cost savings for both consumers and retailers. With Kenya losing up to 40 percent of all food produced to waste and expiration amounting to billions of shillings annually and it presents a timely solution to transform potential losses into opportunities for savings and sustainability,” stated Msossi co-founder and CEO Kevin Otiende.
The app is designed for individual consumers seeking affordable and environmentally friendly food options, as well as businesses aiming to cut losses associated with food waste.
“By directly connecting stores with consumers, we reduce waste and create a more efficient food ecosystem that benefits everyone.” Otiende further explained: “Over the past year, we’ve delved into the operations of supermarkets and restaurants and found that supermarkets lose between 5-12% of their fresh food to waste, while restaurants lose up to 30%. Our platform allows restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels to sell surplus food quickly at appealing prices. This helps consumers access affordable nutrition while addressing a serious environmental and economic challenge.”
The launch is timely as Kenya continues to struggle with inefficiencies in the food supply chain.
The App is set to expand nationwide, featuring easy listing and purchasing options tailored to local market needs and also offers measurable impact data, such as the amount of food saved, carbon emissions reduced, and meals rescued.
These insights can support ESG and CSR reporting, demonstrating a company’s commitment to the circular economy and zero-waste practices.
