Naivas Supermarket, is marking 35 years in Kenya with a nationwide customer appreciation drive, offering giveaways, vouchers, and surprises across all its branches.
Founded by the late Peter Mukuha Kago, Naivas began as Rongai Self Service Stores and rebranded to Naivas in 2007 as it began expanding aggressively beyond Nakuru. The name “Naivas” is a nod to Naivasha, one of the towns that shaped the company’s early growth. Over the decades, it has built a reputation for offering a wide range of quality goods .From fresh produce and household staples to electronics and clothing, all at competitive prices.
Speaking during the 35th anniversary launch, Naivas Head of Strategy, Joseph Pertton, emphasized the company’s ongoing growth trajectory and community focus.
“We are extremely proud to mark 35 years of serving Kenyans. This milestone is not just about our expansion, but also about strengthening our ties with the community,” he said. “We are looking to grow our footprint further, and wherever there is demand, we will be there to deliver the Naivas experience.”
The milestone marks a significant chapter in Naivas’ journey, which began in 1990 as a small family-run shop in Nakuru and has since transformed into a retail powerhouse with 109 branches and over 12,000 employees nationwide. Today, Naivas stands as a symbol of local entrepreneurial success, known for its value-for-money offerings and deep roots in the Kenyan community.
To mark the occasion, Naivas rolled out surprise activations at key outlets including The Curve in Lavington, Medlink in Lang’ata, and branches across Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Shoppers were greeted with cheers, branded merchandise, gift hampers, and shopping vouchers as a thank-you for their years of loyalty.
“I feel so excited. It was amazing—I didn’t expect to get these gifts. I really appreciate Naivas,” said Mary Maculate, a frequent shopper at the Lavington branch, after receiving a surprise voucher.
For John Oito, a father of three shopping in Lang’ata, the savings brought immediate relief. “I’ve saved a lot today, courtesy of Naivas. This goes a long way, especially during these tough economic times,” he said.
Support from Suppliers and Partners
The celebrations weren’t just about customers. Long-time supplier Manish Popat expressed gratitude for the mutually beneficial partnership he has enjoyed with Naivas over the years.
“Everyone is happy,the customers got good deals, and as suppliers, we’re also happy. Naivas’ growth has helped our businesses thrive,” said Popat.
Naivas maintains strong relationships with both local and international suppliers, ensuring its shelves remain stocked with fresh, affordable, and quality products. The company also supports Kenyan manufacturers and farmers through its sourcing policies.
What’s Next for Naivas?
The supermarket chain has ambitious plans to continue its expansion, especially in underserved areas and emerging urban centers. With Kenya’s retail sector recovering from pandemic-related disruptions, Naivas is capitalizing on renewed consumer demand and digital transformation.
Investments in e-commerce and partnerships with food delivery platforms have also been part of Naivas’ post-COVID growth strategy. The retailer has been actively digitizing operations, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience both in-store and online.
As it celebrates 35 years of business, Naivas reiterated its commitment to delivering on its founding promise: “Quality. Value. Convenience.” “Our journey is far from over. We will continue to innovate, expand, and give back to the people who have built this brand with us ,the Kenyan consumers,” Pertton concluded
