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Kenya 28, October 2025 - In a move that blends sustainability, social impact, and retail efficiency, Carrefour Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Food Banking Kenya (FBK) to distribute safe, edible food surplus from its stores to vulnerable communities across the country. The initiative forms part of the parent company Majid Al Futtaim Retail’s long-term commitment to inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
“This partnership underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to responsible retail and to creating a positive impact in the communities we serve. We know that for various reasons, food often goes to waste, yet much of it can be redistributed and repurposed to support those in need. By transforming surplus into support, we are reducing waste while strengthening Kenya’s food security,” said Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa for Majid Al Futtaim Retail.
Under the agreement, Carrefour Kenya will flag surplus edible items, such as baked goods for daily collection and dry groceries (rice, cereals, lentils), which must be distributed within four days, to FBK. The latter will sort, manage, and redirect the food through its network of accredited charitable organisations.
“Partnering with Carrefour in Kenya expands our reach to ensure safe, nutritious food reaches the most vulnerable communities. This collaboration proves that surplus can nourish communities in need, showing how responsible retailing delivers real impact,” said John Gathungu, Executive Director of Food Banking Kenya.
Food waste is both a social and economic challenge for Kenya. According to the country’s Post-Harvest Loss and Food Waste Reduction Strategy, vast volumes of produce across value chains never reach the market or consumer because of spoilage, inefficiencies or lack of redistribution pathways.
By redirecting surplus food that would otherwise be wasted, the partnership addresses three critical objectives at once: supporting food security, reducing environmental burden, and empowering vulnerable communities. With an estimated redistribution target of 20 tonnes of surplus food annually, the programme could reach thousands of households and help ease food access pressures.
Beyond the direct benefit, the initiative signals a shift in how retail businesses define their role. Rather than simply selling goods, supermarkets like Carrefour are playing a part in circular economy models, where surplus becomes resource, not waste. This is especially important in Kenya, where retail growth, rising consumer demand and urbanisation are creating both opportunities and burdens for food-systems resilience.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Sorting, storing and distributing surplus food demands logistics and quality control. Carrefour and FBK must ensure strict food-safety standards are maintained; otherwise, the risk of distributing compromised goods could threaten trust and health. The requirement for dry goods to reach charities within four days, for example, underscores the time-sensitivity of the operation.
Furthermore, while 20 tonnes is a meaningful start, Kenya’s food-waste challenge is much larger. Scaling this model to include more retail chains, suppliers and storage infrastructure will be critical if the country is to move substantially closer to its “Reuse/Redistribute” goals. The national strategy emphasises that surplus edible food should first feed humans, before any recycling or disposal processes are considered.
What to Watch
The success of the Carrefour–FBK partnership could set a precedent for Kenya’s entire retail sector. If more supermarket chains and suppliers adopt similar redistribution models, it may lead to the creation of a nationwide food-banking platform that streamlines how surplus goods reach communities in need. Observers are also watching to see whether the initiative will expand to include fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.
These items account for some of the highest levels of waste in Kenya’s food supply chain but also present the greatest opportunity for impact, especially in urban informal settlements where access to nutritious food is limited. Another key measure of success will be the scale of the programme’s social and environmental impact how many households receive assistance, how much surplus is diverted from landfills, and the extent of carbon-footprint reduction achieved through reduced waste.
Finally, there’s a business angle: by cutting disposal costs and minimising write-offs, retailers could realise measurable savings while strengthening their brands. Beyond numbers, the goodwill generated through visible community support may help boost customer loyalty and reshape public perceptions of corporate responsibility in Kenya’s growing retail industry.
