Competition hots up as Naivas Supermarkets opens 101st store in Kakamega
- Naivas Limited remains Kenya’s largest supermarket chain by store count
- Quickmart and Carrefour, both with their own ambitious expansion plans, are putting increasing pressure on Naivas to maintain its leading position.
- Naivas Limited’s new store opening follows closely on the heels of the chain’s 100th store launch in Lavington, Nairobi, just two weeks ago.
Naivas Limited, Kenya’s largest supermarket chain by store count, opened its 101st branch in Kakamega on December 5th, signalling its intention to solidify dominance of the local retail market in all the counties.
This new store opening follows closely on the heels of Naivas’ 100th store launch in Lavington, Nairobi, just two weeks ago. With the Kakamega branch now operational, only one additional store remains on the agenda for 2023, planned for Mwanzi Road. The retailer strengthened its coastal position in October with the opening of its 99th store along Ronald Ngala Street in Tudor, Sabasaba, Mombasa County.
The Supermarket’s Director and the Head of Administration, Charles Mbugua said as they expand their chain, they are also providing employment opportunities to the majority of Kenyans.
The Kakamega branch has offered employment to over 100 Kenyans bringing to a total of 12 000 employees at Naivas across the country. The chain has become one of Kenya’s largest private sector employers, currently boasting a payroll of over 12, 000 employees.
The Supermarket covers 38 000 square feet at the Catholic Mall providing enough space, deals and promotions to customers.
The Director noted that the provision of a section for fresh produce is unique to attract more customers while at the same time giving opportunities for local farmers to supply fresh produce.
“All the fresh produce we are sourcing from farmers in Kakamega as we envision to grow the economy of this area and the country at large through our supermarket,” he added.
While Naivas continues its remarkable expansion, competition in the Kenyan retail market remains fierce. Quickmart and Carrefour, both with their own ambitious expansion plans, are putting increasing pressure on Naivas to maintain its leading position.
Just two days before Naivas’ 101st store opening, Carrefour, owned by Dubai-based Majid Al-Futtaim (MFA), opened its 22nd store in Nyali, Mombasa, solidifying its presence in the coastal region.
As both chains continue their expansion plans, consumers can expect greater convenience, choice, and potentially, even more competitive pricing in the Kenyan supermarket space.
