NAIVAS SUPERMARKET MAKES HISTORY WITH THE OPENING OF 100TH BRANCH

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA 

The COUNTY DIARY NEWS 

(PHOTOS)

Naivas hits triple digits in store count, 100 branches on 10th October 2023.This is a historic moment in Kenyan as this is a feat that no other supermarket in Kenya, local orinternational, has managed to achieve.

Naivas Managing Director,David Kimani said that setting up the store was not any other reason but to take care of his family to now having over 10,000 directly employed by the company is something he  never dreamed of. 

"As a Kenyan homegrown family business, we thank you for the trust you have placed on the brand and we shall ensure that we continue todiligently serve Kenyans as you are the reason for our being. My promise is, stornumber 100 is just the beginning as we now are focused on the next big step, hitting200 stores,’’ Kimani expressed .

At the same time,Naivas Chief of Strategy, Andreas Von Paleske remarked that it has taken 33 years 2 months and 12 days to hit this great milestone from the  founding family, the Mukuhas, who gave set the right foundation to ensure hat the business grows. 

"It is because of this right foundation that the business was able to attract foreign investment. Thanks to our investors, a consortium led by IBL which includes Proparco and DEG, have been instrumental in strengthening our corporate governance ensuring that the business has the right foundation for the next level of success,"he noted.

“As IBL we are glad to have found a partner in Naivas, a homegrown Kenyan family business that has enabled us to expand into the Kenyan market. We assure Naivas of our unwavering support to see to it that it continues to expand and reach even greater heights. I want to wish Naivas a happy 100 branches celebration,” said Arnaud Lagesse,IBL Executive Director and Group CEO.

The journey beyond one hundred has just begun and the business is committed to reaching every community in the country one store at a time.

The outlet which carries this great honour is Naivas Foodmarket King’ara Road in Lavington. Opening the store in this neighbourhood is a testament to the truly national brand that Naivas has become. From a general store founded in the rural town of Rongai in Nakuru county, to the leading retailer in the country, is nothing short of success story punctuated by commitment and resilience. 

Despite the challenges in the retail sector, Naivas has continued to scale new heights and set new records with each passing year. To the business the number 100 holds special significance and will forever be etched in the annuls of its history