Majid Al Futtaim Retail Business School Becomes the First Retail School in Kenya to Earn NITA Certification

Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, has achieved a landmark milestone by becoming the first retailer in the country to have its Retail Business School (RBS) certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

The NITA certification empowers the Retail Business School to offer nationally recognised vocational training in specialized tracks, including Meat Technology, Retail Food Management, Bakery and Pastry Technology, and Food Service Operations. This accreditation ensures that the school’s curricula meet the highest industry standards in Kenya, reinforcing Majid Al Futtaim’s role as a driver of professional development and operational excellence within the retail landscape.

Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, commented: “Achieving NITA certification is a moment of pride for us that underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to advancing the retail industry in Kenya. By becoming the first retailer to secure this national accreditation, we are elevating the capabilities of our workforce of over 3,000 colleagues and more specifically, cultivating the next generation of retail leaders. Providing our team with the standardized, world-class skills necessary to thrive in a modern economy will enable them to lead the future of retail while aligning with Kenya’s vision to build a highly skilled, globally competitive workforce able to fuel long-term economic resilience.”

Theresa Wasike, Acting Director General, National Industrial Training Authority, added: “This accreditation demonstrates strong alignment between private sector investment and national vocational training standards. These Industry-led initiatives play an important role in addressing skills gaps, supporting youth employment, and strengthening the competitiveness of Kenya’s workforce.”

Since its inception in 2024, the Retail Business School has been a cornerstone of Majid Al Futtaim’s investment in human capital. In 2025 alone, the school delivered over 44,700 hours of targeted training in Kenya, resulting in 500 certifications and 108 internal promotions. With the new NITA status, these training pathways now offer employees standardized, nationally accredited qualifications that facilitate long-term career progression and professional mobility.

Alongside the Retail Business School, Majid Al Futtaim also runs an 18-month Retail Graduate Programme in partnership with local universities, providing fresh graduates with practical training and experience to support their integration into the workforce. It delivers leadership development initiatives in partnership with Harvard Business School to strengthen management capability across its retail operations.

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