Naivas writes history with opening of 100th store, plans two more before year end

KENYA – Naivas, a prominent Kenyan supermarket chain, has achieved a historic milestone by opening its 100th branch unveiling ambitious plans for further expansion.

The 100th branch on King’ara Road in Lavington will be followed by two more branches set to open by the end of the year, with one located on Mwanzi Road in Nairobi and the other in Kakamega town.

Naivas is solidifying its position as Kenya’s leading local supermarket chain, even in the face of competition from Quickmart and Carrefour.

“Our expansion is not limited to Nairobi alone. We are going to open two new branches by the end of this year, one will be in Kakamega and the other along Mwanzi Road here in Nairobi,” Naivas said.

The competitive landscape in Kenya’s retail sector has been shifting, with the demise of major players like Tusky’s, Nakumatt, and Uchumi, primarily due to significant debts and mismanagement.

As these once-dominant retailers faltered, it created an opportunity for smaller players to step in and capture market share.

Quickmart, with 59 stores, has emerged as the second-largest retailer in Kenya, while Carrefour, a French-owned chain, has established a presence with 20 outlets since entering the market seven years ago.

To maintain its lead, Naivas is strategically growing its footprint in Nairobi and key locations along major highways, actively taking part in the race for dominance in the Kenyan retail market.

Naivas revealed plans to sell an extra 11 percent stake in the company, estimated at US$41.7 million (Ksh 5.8 billion).

This transaction will result in foreign investors taking a controlling ownership position, with Mambo Retail, the investment vehicle through which IBL, French fund Proparco, and German fund DEG currently hold a 40 percent stake in Naivas International, acquiring the additional shares.

As a result, the family of the retailer’s founder, Peter Mukuha Kago, will see its ownership interest decrease from the current 60 percent to 49 percent, making them minority shareholders.

The growth and expansion of Naivas, coupled with its ability to navigate a competitive market, demonstrate its commitment to providing retail services to the Kenyan population and its desire to maintain its position as a leading supermarket chain in the country.

The race for market dominance and the changing retail landscape in Kenya will continue to shape the strategies of these major players in the coming years.

Earlier this month, the retailer announced the 99th store, marking yet another milestone in its journey to dominate Kenya’s retail landscape.

The newly opened store, located in Mombasa at Sabasaba, represented Naivas’ 11th addition to its presence in the coastal region.

Newer Post

Tanzania seeks to tap Africa’s cashew market potential with plans to raise annual production to 1M tonnes by 2030

Older Post

Thumbnail for Naivas writes history with opening of 100th store, plans two more before year end

Artcaffé opens all-inclusive Food Market store at Nairobi’s Village Market shopping complex