Msossi, a locally developed food technology platform, is set to launch in Kenya this month with the aim of reducing food waste
Msossi, Kenya’s first digital platform that helps consumers access affordable meals while reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, has officially launched.
The app enables businesses to sell surplus food, including baked goods, fresh produce, prepared meals, and packaged items nearing their best-before dates, at discounted prices.
The platform not only provides customers with affordable meals but also prevents edible food from ending up in landfills, supporting environmental sustainability.
“Msossi aims to make food more affordable for every Kenyan while cutting the huge waste in our food system. Every meal saved benefits families, businesses, and the environment. With Msossi, everyone can be part of the solution,” said Mr Kevin Otiende, Founder and CEO.
On average, businesses can recover up to 50 per cent of the value of surplus goods. For instance, a business that discards food worth KES 200,000 each month could recover up to KES 100,000 in extra income while also reducing disposal costs.
The platform provides measurable impact data, including kilos of food saved, CO₂ emissions reduced, and meals rescued. These metrics can be used in ESG or CSR reports to demonstrate a company’s commitment to the circular economy and zero-waste practices.
Available on Google Play and iOS, the Msossi app has partnered with local outlets, including eateries, restaurants, and supermarkets, which list surplus food or items approaching their best-before date at discounted prices. Consumers can either collect the meals from the nearest outlet within a set time or have them delivered to their door.
Food insecurity remains a major challenge in Kenya, with one in three Kenyans (33 per cent of the population) considered food poor. Food loss and waste cost the country an estimated KES 72 billion every year. Kenya is among the countries in Africa and worldwide that are off track to meet SDG 12.3, which aims to halve food waste and reduce food loss by 2030.
According to the UNEP/Waste and Resources Action Programme Food Waste Index 2024, each Kenyan throws away an average of 99 kilograms of food every year, amounting to 5.2 million tonnes nationally.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that food waste accounts for 11 per cent of Kenya’s net human-made greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant contributor to global warming.
The launch of Msossi represents a major step towards addressing these challenges, making food more accessible, reducing waste, and helping Kenya move closer to its sustainability goals.
The platform plans to expand its operations to other African markets, including Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ghana.
