Simbisa Brands boosts Kenyan workforce with 402 new jobs

Omokolade Ajayi -

Key Points

  • Simbisa Brands created 402 new jobs in Kenya over the past year, raising its workforce to 2,995 with 15 new outlets.
  • Revenue rose 6% to $286.45 million in FY 2024, but profit before tax fell 21% to $21.06 million amid economic challenges in key markets.
  • Simbisa plans 36 new outlets in FY 2025, including nine in Kenya, while refurbishing 36 existing stores to enhance customer experience.

Zimbabwe's largest fast-food operator, Simbisa Brands, led by executive chairman Addington Chinake, has created 402 new jobs in Kenya over the past year, driven by the opening of 15 additional outlets to meet growing demand for quick-service meals.

Simbisa grows Kenyan workforce to 2,995

The expansion brings the company's total number of Kenyan employees to 2,995 as of June 30, 2024, according to its latest annual report.

The company, led by Chinake, alongside founding executives Zinona “Zed” Koudounaris and Basil Dionisio, operates popular brands such as Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, and Galitos.

This growth reflects Simbisa’s strategic focus on East Africa, where fast food consumption among the middle class continues to rise.

Shift in consumer preferences

Simbisa's latest store openings include six Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn outlets each, and two Galitos locations.

However, the company closed two Bakers Inn and Creamy Inn outlets, signaling a shift in consumer preference toward chicken and pizza over baked goods.

Simbisa now operates 252 outlets across Kenya, including 63 Chicken Inn, 74 Pizza Inn, and 36 Galitos stores, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

The company has also modernized its operations by enhancing delivery services to capitalize on evolving customer habits.

Mixed financial results

Despite its operational success, Simbisa faced economic challenges in key markets, including Kenya and Zimbabwe.

The company reported a 6 percent revenue increase to $286.45 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, but its profit before tax dropped by 21 percent to $21.06 million, compared to $26.7 million the previous year.

“The financial year was characterized by consistent navigation of challenges while seizing opportunities as the group sought to reinforce its market position,” Chinake said in a statement.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Simbisa Brands plans to open 36 new outlets across its core markets in fiscal 2025, including nine in Kenya, 25 in Zimbabwe, and two in Eswatini.

Additionally, 36 existing stores will undergo refurbishments to enhance customer experiences, with six upgrades planned for Kenya.

Simbisa’s commitment to operational efficiency and market expansion highlights its resilience in the competitive fast-food industry, even in the face of economic pressures.