Fried chicken tops Uber Eats Kenya searches the 2025 report findings, emerging as the undisputed favourite among Kenyan food lovers this year, with pizza nipping at its heels as the second most craved delivery item nationwide, according to the platform’s freshly unveiled Annual Cravings Report.
The data, drawn from millions of orders placed across major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, paints a vivid picture of a nation hooked on crispy, golden-fried comfort food, often paired with spicy dips or fresh sides during late-night binges or family gatherings.
Uber Eats Kenya General Manager Kui Mbugua highlighted how these trends show the platform’s role in blending global fast-food staples with local twists, such as peri-peri seasoned wings that echo East African flavours.
Pizza’s strong showing comes as no surprise to industry watchers, fuelled by endless customisations from thin-crust Margherita bases to loaded meat feasts that cater to diverse palates in bustling urban households. Yet, fried chicken’s dominance reflects a broader surge in quick-service cravings, with searches spiking 35 per cent year-over-year amid busy work schedules and the rise of remote dining.
Standout stories from the report steal the show, including one superfan who racked up a staggering Sh1.8 million in annual spending, averaging over Sh4,900 per order across 718 deliveries that kept the kitchen crew on their toes.
Another epic tale involves a single Sh109,000 splash on premium drinks, likely a lavish celebration haul of cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic fizz for a big bash. Not to be outdone, a burger enthusiast dropped Sh102,000 in one go, assembling what must have been the ultimate patty paradise for a group feast.
These jaw-dropping orders highlight how Uber Eats has evolved from mere convenience to a canvas for indulgence, with Kenyans treating the app like a personal chef on speed dial. On the economic front, the platform pumped Sh534 million back into local restaurants, empowering small eateries and chains alike to thrive through partnerships that boosted their visibility and sales.
Delivery drivers, the unsung heroes of the operation, pocketed Sh2.2 billion in earnings, with top performers clocking feats like 54,961 kilometres pedalled or 6,866 trips completed, turning two-wheeled hustles into full-time triumphs.
Beyond the headlines, the report spotlights quirky patterns, such as Friday night romance rituals where couples synced 49 joint orders, or lightning-fast deliveries clocked at just 147 seconds from kitchen to doorstep. Grocery runs jumped 88 per cent, blending meal kits with impulse buys like ice cream hauls that scream spontaneous dessert therapy.
As Kenya’s food delivery scene matures, these insights signal a shift toward fusion experiments, with chefs eyeing elevated fried chicken riffs like honey-glazed drumsticks infused with Kenyan spices.
Uber Eats anticipates even bolder trends in 2026, perhaps crowned by sustainable sourcing or tech-driven personalisation that predicts your next wing fix before you do.
For now, the fried chicken frenzy cements its status as more than a trend; it’s a cultural staple fuelling conversations at dinner tables and drive-thrus alike. Whether you’re team spicy or classic, one thing’s clear: Kenya’s appetite for delivery shows no signs of cooling.
