Thursday. 10.12.2023, Naivas hits triple digits in store count, 100 branches. This is a
historic moment in Kenyan as this is a feat that no other supermarket in Kenya, local or
international, has managed to achieve. 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 a
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. “As we set up the general store, it was not for any other reason but to take care of our
basic needs and never did I ever imagine that I would be here today talking about store
number 100. It is truly an emotional moment for me, from just seeking to take care of
my family to now having over 10,000 directly employed by the company is something I
would never have 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 to
diligently serve Kenyans as you are the reason for our being. My promise is, store
number 100 is just the beginning as we now are focused on the next big step, hitting
200 stores,’’ said David Kimani, Naivas Managing Director. “It may have taken 33 years 2 months and 12 days to hit this great milestone, but it
means that the founding family, the Mukuhas, had set the right foundation to ensure
that 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’’ remarked Andreas Von Paleske, Naivas Chief of Strategy. “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.