Challenges Facing Retail Chains in Kenya
A leading retail and distribution company with 40 branches across Kenya faced multiple IT and security challenges:

• Increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks including ransomware and insider threats
• Expensive MPLS links driving up operational costs
• Spyware consuming bandwidth and exposing sensitive data
• Point-of-Sale (POS) systems infected with malware
• Branch networks lacking centralized security controls

Specific Problems Experienced

• Compromised POS terminals and laptops generating spyware traffic
• Slow ERP systems causing order processing delays
• Frequent depletion of 4G/5G data bundles at branches
• Employee misuse, including torrenting and non-business social media use
• Monthly data costs exceeding KES 1.8 million
• Weak security between headquarters and branch offices

Fortinet Solution for Retail Chains in Kenya

To secure all 40 branches and optimize network performance, the company deployed FortiGate 200 firewalls with SD-WAN. Key implementations included:

• Advanced Threat Protection: AntiSpyware, AntiVirus, IPS, and Botnet Protection
• Content and Application Control: URL Filtering to block gambling, torrent, and adult sites; Application Control to prioritize ERP and block non-business apps; POS-specific Content Filtering
• Zero-Touch Deployment: Rapid rollout for new branches
• Cloud-Based Logging: FortiAnalyzer for compliance and detailed reporting

Results for the Retail Chain

• Spyware traffic reduced nearly to zero
• ERP latency improved by 45%, speeding order processing
• Branch complaints drastically decreased
• Employee misuse curtailed through monitoring and application controls
• SD-WAN reduced 4G/5G mobile data usage by 35–50%

Financial Impact

• Saved KES 9.6 million annually in mobile data and MPLS costs
• Avoided potential ransomware attacks thanks to IPS
• Faster branch operations leading to higher revenue throughput

By leveraging Fortinet SD-WAN and advanced security solutions, this retail chain in Kenya strengthened branch network security, optimized connectivity costs, and improved operational efficiency across all 40 locations.