Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has raised menu prices for the third time in a year, with its most popular food package in Kenya- Streetwise 2- now selling for Sh450.

This represents a 28 percent increase in price from December of last year, when the package sold for Sh350 before being raised to Sh370 during the same month.

Only a few weeks ago, the Streetwise 2 package, which included two pieces of chicken and a packet of chips, cost Sh390.

The new upward price review follows a rapid rise in food, electricity, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, putting renewed pressure on food chains and restaurants that had only recently begun to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic's downturn.

Due to supply disruptions, prices for inputs such as cooking oil and flour remain high.

The reason for the price increase has not been officially communicated by KFC management. Jacques Theunissen, the chain's chief executive officer (CEO) for the East African market, had not responded to Nation's questions about the price changes as of press time.

KFC's popularity in the country has grown in recent years, with its food especially popular among the country's youth and urban residents. The fast food chain from the United States is well-known for its chicken, chips, and soda meal deals.

The outlet's previously low menu prices drew a large number of customers, but it has raised prices several times in the last year.

KFC Kenya was forced to offer ugali on its menu earlier this year due to a shortage of chips.