DEFCO: The KDF Supermarket Chain With Over a Billion Shilling Turnover

Defence Forces Canteen Organization (DEFCO) is a medium-sized chain of supermarkets with over 23 shops.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) owned supermarkets have a turnover of over a billion shillings.

According to the Ministry of Defence, DEFCO has more branches than some of the leading supermarkets in Kenya.

DEFCO was formed in April 1973 and took over management of the retail outlets from NAAFI on 1st July 1974.

It is the official trading arm of the Kenya Army, Air Force and Navy and was founded on the recommendation of a Government committee.

It is financially self-supporting, has no capital or shareholders and serves no private or individual interests.

The supermarket chain operates solely for the benefit of the members of the three military services whereby profits made are ploughed into its operations and the balances disbursed to the services through the defence headquarters.

DEFCO’s mission which has been seen by WoK, is to provide quality service delivery to the Defence Forces.

According to the Ministry of Defence website, the distribution of profits are shared within the services and also support projects.

“Annual Remittance. Part of the profits realized by DEFCO are remitted to the services and DEFOCA, in support of various projects,”

“Sports Levy. Defence Forces Sports teams have excelled in various disciplines and DEFCO has had a contribution in this in terms of sports levy remitted at regular intervals to DHQ for distribution.” the website statement read.