Naivas Supermarket To Employ 400 In Its Kisumu Branch

By Nsunjo Erica

Naivas Supermarket has opened a new branch in Kisumu in an expansion plan that the retailer is undertaking even as its main rival, Tuskys, continues to face some financial uncertainties.

The new branch is located along the busy Kisumu-Nairobi highway and sits on 24,000 square feet of space at the Mega City Mall.

Naivas Supermarket’s second opened a retail shop in Kisumu, is looking forward to creating at least 120 new jobs for unemployed Kenyans as the number of the retailer’s shops in the country increase to 65.

According to Naiva’s Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani, with time, another 400 people are set to gain direct employment through supplying and providing other related services to the supermarket.

“We believe the spiral effect of this investment will be big,” Kimani said, as he pointed out he was a keen supporter of local economies and indigenous small and medium-sized firms

Speaking during the official launch on Saturday, Naivas Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani said the expansion move followed the success of its initial branch that was set up in the county 2014.

“We have brought the food market concept to Kisumu in line with our strategic mission to extend the modern design series across all major urban centers,” said Mr. Kimani.

Following the sale of a 30 percent stake to France-based private equity fund Amethis Finance for Sh1.5 billion. Mr. Kimani explained that Naivas’ expansion in Kisumu is a reflection of the firm’s belief in the economic future of the county and its neighbors.

“We expect to serve Kisumu and the larger peripheral centers including Awasi, Ahero, Maseno, and even Vihiga and Siaya counties,” Kimani said.

According to Mr. Kimani, the retail chain is also hoping to tap into infrastructural developments in the entire lake region including the port and the railway as operations continue.