Simbisa Brands, a leading restaurant group in Kenya, has reported an 11% increase in revenue from its Kenyan operations for the year ended June 2026. The growth was driven by a 14% increase in customer volumes and a 59% rise in delivery orders. Despite average spending falling, the company was able to grow sales due to the rise in customer traffic. Simbisa's Kenyan brands include Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, and Creamy Inn.
The company's food delivery business was a key driver of growth, with orders increasing by 59% during the year. By the end of June, delivery sales made up about 27% of turnover in the Kenyan market, highlighting the growing importance of online ordering to the restaurant business. Factors such as increased smartphone use, urbanization, digital payments, and demand for convenience are supporting the growth of restaurant delivery in Kenya.
Simbisa Kenya recorded a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue to $21.6 million in the three months to March 2026. Customer volumes during the quarter rose 21% to 3.5 million, while delivery orders increased by 71%. The business was handling an average of about 6,000 delivery orders each day during the period. This strong performance followed a 60% rise in Kenyan delivery orders in the six months to December 2025.
The company's Kenyan network had reached 259 trading counters by March 2026 after nine new outlets were opened and one closed over the preceding 12 months. By that time, 11 outlets had also undergone refurbishment. Simbisa finished the 2026 financial year with 257 outlets in Kenya, five more than the previous year. The company also refurbished 19 existing outlets as part of efforts to improve the performance of its established restaurant network and the experience of customers.
Operating profit grew faster than revenue as Simbisa benefited from tighter cost controls and better efficiency across its operations. The company's average customer spending in US dollar terms declined by 3% during the financial year. Despite pressure on household spending and strong competition in Kenya's quick-service restaurant market, Simbisa was able to grow sales and increase operating profit.
At group level, Simbisa recorded revenue of $367.19 million during the financial year. Customer volumes across its nine markets increased by 11% to 68.8 million, while average real spending rose by 8%. Group operating profit increased by 27.8% to $58.06 million, while cash generated from operations rose by 27.1% to $65.20 million.
The stronger financial performance resulted in higher returns to shareholders, with headline earnings per share increasing by 45.6% to $5.61 from $3.85. Simbisa raised its total dividend per share by 45.3% to $2.02 from $1.39. The amount included a final dividend of $0.81 per share.
Key points
- Simbisa Kenya's revenue growth was driven by a 59% rise in delivery orders and a 14% increase in customer volumes.
- The company's food delivery business made up about 27% of turnover in the Kenyan market by the end of June.
- Simbisa's group operating profit increased by 27.8% to $58.06 million during the financial year.
