Msossi, a locally developed food technology platform, is set to launch in Kenya this month with the aim of reducing food waste

Msossi, a locally developed food technology platform, is set to launch in Kenya this month with the goal of reducing food waste by linking retailers directly with consumers to sell surplus and near-expiry food at discounted prices.

Positioned as Kenya’s first app dedicated specifically to tackling food waste and losses, Msossi allows restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels to list excess food for rapid sale. Consumers can then purchase discounted food packs, helping businesses minimise losses while accessing more affordable food options.

Food waste remains a major challenge in Kenya, with estimates suggesting that between 30% and 40% of all food produced is lost each year through spoilage and expiry. These losses amount to billions of shillings annually, while worsening food insecurity and placing additional strain on the environment. Msossi aims to bridge this gap by creating a digital marketplace that promotes sustainability and more efficient food distribution.

“With Kenya losing up to 40% of all food produced to wastage and expiry—worth billions of shillings every year—Msossi offers a timely solution to turn potential losses into opportunities for savings and sustainability,” said Kevin Otiende, co-founder and chief executive officer of Msossi.

The platform targets both individual consumers seeking affordable, environmentally conscious food choices and businesses looking to reduce losses from unsold inventory. By encouraging deep discounts, the app is designed to drive quick turnover of surplus food before it goes to waste.

“Connecting stores directly with consumers reduces waste and helps build a more efficient food ecosystem that benefits everyone,” Otiende said.

Drawing on insights from a year of engagement with retailers and food service operators, Otiende noted that supermarkets lose between 5% and 12% of fresh food to wastage, while restaurants can lose up to 30%. “Our platform enables restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels to sell surplus food quickly at attractive prices. This supports access to affordable nutrition while addressing a serious environmental and economic challenge,” he added.

The launch comes as Kenya continues to grapple with inefficiencies across the food supply chain, from production to retail. Msossi is expected to roll out nationally, with features designed to simplify food listing and purchasing in line with local market dynamics.

Beyond facilitating transactions, the platform will also track measurable impact data, including the volume of food saved, carbon emissions reduced, and meals rescued. These insights are intended to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting, helping businesses demonstrate progress towards circular economy and zero-waste goals.