By Robert Mutasi 
Popular restaurant chain Artcaffé Group is taking its coffee, bakery and all-day dining experience beyond Nairobi as it launches an aggressive countrywide expansion that is expected to create 700 new jobs by the end of 2026.
The company, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing homegrown hospitality brands, said the new phase will focus on key urban centres outside the capital, signalling a shift from mall-based outlets in Nairobi to high streets and fast-growing towns across the country.
Artcaffé Group, which is majority-owned by US private equity firm Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) after a Sh3.5 billion buyout in late 2018, has in recent months secured fresh growth capital, including mezzanine financing from Phatisa Food Fund 2, to fund its next stage of growth.
The announcement comes as Kenya’s restaurant scene becomes more competitive, with eateries and coffee shops replacing traditional bars and entertainment joints as preferred social spots, especially among young urban professionals seeking spaces to work, meet and socialize.
Starting as a single outlet in 2008, Artcaffé has grown to over 60 restaurants and 10 food markets, with a workforce of 1,385 people. The group recently opened new branches in Kisumu and Voi – its first entries in those regions – and says three more outlets in Kianda, South C and Ngong Town will open this month alone.
Next on the expansion map are Thika Town, Tatu City, Loresho in Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret, towns that have seen rapid growth in population, retail infrastructure and middle-class spending.
The company says the expansion is driven by changing consumer habits. Kenyans are increasingly looking for lifestyle destinations that offer more than just food – places that blend dining, remote working, meetings and casual entertainment.
For local economies, the expansion is set to provide a major boost. The 700 new jobs will cover baristas, chefs, bakers, waitstaff, restaurant managers and supply chain roles. Artcaffé has already started recruiting local talent in new towns, as seen during its Voi opening where it called for youth from Taita-Taveta County.
Beyond direct employment, the chain says it will deepen its sourcing from Kenyan farmers for coffee, vegetables, dairy and baked goods, supporting agribusiness value chains.
Industry analysts say Artcaffé’s move reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s devolved urban centres, where demand for quality casual dining has been underserved compared to Nairobi.
If executed as planned, the expansion will cement Artcaffé’s position as Kenya’s largest home-grown casual dining group while offering job seekers outside Nairobi new opportunities in the hospitality sector.