Nakumatt opens Mbarara outlet, eyes three more in Kenya

By macharia kamau

Retail chain Nakumatt Holdings has opened doors to its 37th branch in the western Uganda town of Mbarara.

The Sh255 million ($3m) branch, which is part of the retailer’s regional expansion programme, is expected to set the pace for further branch openings in Kenya before the end of the year.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in Mbarara, Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Mr Atul Shah disclosed that plans are at advanced stage to facilitate the opening of Malindi, Thika Road and Thika town branches in coming weeks.

With the opening of the three branches, Shah said that the chain would effectively manage to touch its 40-branch target this year.

“As part of our East Africa expansion plans, we are proud to be opening the doors to Nakumatt Mbarara which attests to our commitment to further deepen the regional retail market while promoting cross border investments,” Shah explained.

“The support extended by our customers in Uganda and the respective Uganda Government agencies has also helped to inspire our continued expansion in the fast growing Pearl of Africa Market.”

The Mbarara outlet covers more than 40,000 square feet shopping space and features innovative retail solutions.

Within the Nakumatt network, Nakumatt Mbarara is the first branch equipped with a retail travelator (in store ramp) for added shopping comfort and convenience.

Nakumatt has an extensive branch network in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Nakumatt Holdings has extended its regional reach to cover two branches in Rwanda, four in Uganda (including Mbarara) and one in Moshi, Tanzania alongside its 30 branches strong network in Kenya.