Nakumatt eyes Voi as it opens 52nd branch

Nakumatt managing director Atul Shah (left) looks on as Mombasa County Senator Hassan Omar Sarai (right) address shoppers outside the newly opened Bamburi Nakumatt shopping centre in Bamburi within Kisauni in Mombasa County, before he officially opened the branch, Thursday November 27, 2014. This is the 52nd branch for Nakumatt country-wide. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Regional retailer Nakumatt Holdings has expressed optimism at the economic prospects in the Coastal region by opening its 52nd branch in Bamburi, Mombasa County. Managing Director Atul Shah (Pictured) said the firm is confident on the swift economic recovery along the Kenyan Coast and will maintain its investment plans in the region, adding that they are keen to open up another branch in Voi to serve the larger Taita-Taveta County.

Shah confirmed that Nakumatt is also banking on the region's emerging position as an agricultural and real estate investment destination. He was speaking at the official opening of the new Sh190 million Nakumatt Bamburi Supermarket. Mr Shah advised investors not to shy away from making their investments in the region and assured that Nakumatt remains unfazed by the challenges as it maintains a long term view of the economic prospects in the region. "The prospects of economic recovery in the Coastal region are bright for any investor who is seeking to play a development partner role with all Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and neighbouring counties," Shah said.

Having kicked off its energy management project during the opening of Nakumatt Malindi two years ago, the retailer is targeting operational cost savings of up to Sh800 million through the use of new generation in store showcase units. The opening of Nakumatt Bamburi will see customers enjoy a range of attractive shopping offers on household goods and electronics to mark the launch of the new branch. -Philip Mwakio