Kenya Wine Agencies (KWAL) is a majority Government-owned company incorporated in May 1969 under the Companies Act (Cap 486) as a joint venture between the State through the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC) – and private investors. KWAL’s head office and factory are in Industrial Area, Nairobi.
It was to consolidate importation and distribution of wines and spirits from foreign companies. This role was effectively discharged until the liberalization of the economy when KWAL lost its monopoly. The company is now one among the local and international players. KWAL established the first commercial winery in Kenya in 1982. KWAI produces and supplies high-quality products and services. The local wines have won international awards and have wide appeal throughout the region. It works with international wine companies to sell and distribute wines and spirits sought the world over.
The company is divided into three business components:
KWA Holdings EA Ltd – an investment and umbrella holding company. it owns 6.25 percent equity stake in Uchumi Supermarkets and 100 percent shareholding in KWAL and Yatta Vineyards Ltd
KWAL, the trading arm of the group, imports, distributes, manufactures and bottles. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of KWA Holdings EA Ltd. The company has four local branches: Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Nyeri; and two duty – free shops at Jomo Kenyatta International and Moi International airports and a foreign subsidiary, the Rwanda Duty-free SARL
KWAL recently reopened the Kampala branch in Uganda which had been closed.