Second Java House Outlet In Thika Opened

Java House has opened a new branch in Thika at Shell Makongeni, the second in Kiambu County’s second-largest urban area and 111^th in East Africa, expanding its presence in the town on course to become Kenya’s sixth city.

Speaking during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Naima Hassan, Java House Africa Chief Operations Officer, said: “We are witnessing a new phase of urban growth in Thika, with a rapidly expanding population, growing residential and commercial developments, and increasing demand for more places for people to meet, eat and spend time together. As the town moves closer to attaining city status, we are proud to grow alongside Thika in response to the changing needs of the community and the town’s growing importance as a commercial hub.”

With a population of 284,727, according to figures presented to the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations that recommended conferment of city status on the municipality, Thika is home to a significant industrial and services economy, while its connectivity through the Thika Superhighway, railway and highways linking it to northeastern Kenya and the Central Highlands continues to strengthen its role as a strategic urban centre.

“Beyond buildings and infrastructure, urban growth is about how people experience and interact with their city. We play a role in that experience by creating welcoming spaces where people can come together. We first came into Thika in 2024, and the town received us with open arms. Now we are returning for our second branch in what will soon become a city. We are proud to be part of Thika’s growth and being part of its story going forward,” added Ms Hassan.

The growth of Thika is also contributing to the emergence of a broader lifestyle economy. Beyond its established industrial base, the town has developed a strong education, financial and services sector, with universities, colleges, schools and businesses contributing to a growing and increasingly youthful urban population.

Java’s expansion in Thika comes as economic and population growth reshape Kenya’s urban landscape beyond Nairobi. The town’s development is also changing how residents spend their time, with growing demand for convenient places to work, meet, eat and socialise.

The new branch forms part of Java House’s wider strategy of bringing its experience closer to customers in high-growth urban centres across Kenya, while supporting the communities and economies in which it operates.

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