Naivas Limited

Naivas Limited is the largest supermarket chain in Kenya, operating 114 branches nationwide and reporting FY2025 revenue of KSh 114.45 billion (a 21.6% year-on-year increase from KSh 94.07 billion in FY2024). The retailer was founded in 1990 in Rongai, Nakuru County, when the late Joram Kamau (founder of Tuskys Supermarkets) allowed his nephews David Kimani and the late Simon Mukuha to take over one of his premises, where they traded under the inherited name "Gitwe General Stores". They were joined shortly after by their father, the late Peter Mukuha Kago (who died on 6 May 2010). The name evolved from Rongai Self Service Stores (1992-93) to Naivasha Self Service Stores (1998) to Naivas in 2006/2007. Headquartered at Sameer Business Park in Nairobi's Industrial Area, the company operates through Mambo Retail Limited. Majority ownership is held by the Mukuha family, with Mauritian conglomerate IBL Group holding a significant minority stake acquired in two tranches (31.5% for USD 61.5 million in June 2022, and a further 8.5% for USD 31.5 million later in 2022) after buying out the French private equity firm Amethis and an IFC-led consortium. On 1 November 2025, Andreas von Paleske (previously Chief of Strategy since approximately 2017) became the first non-family CEO, succeeding David Kimani, who remains involved in an advisory capacity. The Mukuha family directors include David Kimani (25%), Linet Wairimu (15%), Grace Wambui (15%), the estate of the late Simon Gashwe (25%), and the estate of the late Peter Mukuha Kago (20%).