Kenya’s love affair with fast, convenient food delivery continues to deepen, according to a new analysis of ordering trends published by Uber Eats. The Kenya Cravings Report offers a revealing snapshot of what Kenyans searched for, purchased and demanded in 2025, while also shedding light on the broader economic role digital marketplaces are playing in the country’s daily life.
The insights paint a picture of a modern consumer who is busy, curious and highly specific about what they want. Whether it is a booming passion for fried chicken, lightning-fast grocery deliveries or special instructions written like poetry, Kenyan customers have embraced delivery as a solution that saves time and delivers joy.
“Kenyans are choosing convenience without compromising on preference,” said Kui Mbugua, General Manager, Uber Eats Kenya. “Every order supports a courier, strengthens a local business and brings more convenience and choice to customers.”
Fried Chicken Dominates the Menu
If there is a single takeaway about Kenya’s collective appetite, it is that fried chicken remains firmly on top. It was the most searched item nationwide, with tens of thousands of searches logged. One of the busiest chicken outlets reportedly served more than 100 meals a day through the platform alone.
Pizza maintained its strong hold on second place, proving that it remains the go-to food for group gatherings, movie nights and last-minute cravings. The report also revealed the rise of online grocery delivery as an essential household utility. From tomatoes and spices to urgent cooking oil needs, customers increasingly rely on Uber Eats to fill pantry gaps. One standout delivery saw a rider drop off a five-litre bottle of cooking oil just 150 seconds after the order was placed, illustrating the competition around speed.
The platform also saw record high-value orders. One customer spent KES 109,000 on a premium drinks basket complete with wines, while another placed a fast-food order worth KES 102,134 featuring nearly 20 burgers and an array of sides. A third consumer, described as a romantic, made a KES 80,400 order dubbed the “Lover’s Marathon,” showcasing how food delivery is becoming part of celebrations and experiences.
Kenya’s Delivery Super Users
The report highlights a vibrant community of frequent users who treat delivery as a near-daily habit. The country’s “Everyday Eater” placed 718 orders this year, averaging almost two per day. While this reflects the appetite of a single super user, it also signals shifting consumer lifestyles driven by convenience.
Meanwhile, the top-spending user placed fewer orders but still racked up KES 1.8 million in expenditure. These behaviours suggest that delivery is no longer seen as an occasional indulgence but a normal, valued service for Kenyan households, professionals and students.
An unusual statistic emerged around repeat courier-customer relationships. One pairing met 59 times across 12 different restaurants, forming a bond that illustrates how delivery services are building human connection, even in a digital environment.
Honoring the Delivery Workforce
The platform’s performance also reflects the extraordinary efforts of couriers who keep food flowing through Kenya’s streets from dawn to late night. One courier covered 54,961 kilometres over the year, farther than a full trip around the Earth. Another completed 6,866 deliveries, making them one of the country’s busiest delivery drivers.
Speed records were also celebrated. The fastest delivery of the year took just 147 seconds, barely enough time to warm up leftovers before the new meal arrived. These statistics highlight the competitive efficiency associated with Kenya’s fast-growing urban on-demand delivery culture.
Order Notes Open a Window Into Personality
The Kenya Cravings Report also captured the humour and creativity that riders and restaurant teams encounter in order notes. Some were straightforward but intense, such as the customer who typed “NO CHEESE!!!” 24 separate times to ensure compliance.
Others were heartfelt, from compliments directed at hardworking restaurant staff, even on holiday shifts, to personal love notes included within order instructions. Customers frequently expressed gratitude. Nairobi registered the highest number of “please” and “thank you” messages, followed by Kisumu and Mombasa.
These small behavioral details reflect the blend of personality and community spirit shaping Kenyan digital commerce.
Underlying Economic Impact
While the report showcases much of the fun behind Kenya’s food culture, it also speaks to a significant economic transformation. Uber’s 2023 Kenya Economic Impact Report revealed that platforms like Uber Eats are generating millions in new earnings and advancing inclusion for businesses and independent workers.
Restaurants using the app are reported to have earned KSh 534 million in additional revenue, helping them reach customers far beyond walk-in traffic. The extension into grocery and everyday essentials further expands the market opportunity for merchants.
Delivery partners benefit meaningfully from the flexibility and income opportunities the platform provides. According to Uber’s data, couriers earned KSh 2.2 billion more than their next best alternative income source. The ability to control working hours added lifestyle value estimated at KSh 1.6 billion to their livelihoods.
These figures align with a global shift where platform-based work fuels micro-enterprise entrepreneurship and supports urban affordability.
A Growing Appetite for Digital Services
The Kenya Cravings Report marks the first time the company has published a countrywide analysis of food and delivery behavior. It reinforces trends already visible in cities like Nairobi, where fast-growing populations and traffic congestion are driving demand for time-saving services.
As young consumers enter the workforce and digital adoption spreads across urban and peri-urban areas, analysts expect Kenya’s on-demand economy to continue growing at a rapid pace. Delivery is increasingly seen as more than a luxury. It is a tool that allows people to manage busy schedules, support local vendors and enjoy simple conveniences that enhance daily living.
With consumer expectations rising and restaurants expanding delivery capacity, Kenya appears poised to remain one of Africa’s most dynamic growth markets for the food delivery sector.
“This is the food economy Kenya is building,” Mbugua said. “And we are proud to be part of it.”
