Bata is a multinational footwear company and a family-owned business. Headquartered in Switzerland, the company was originally founded in 1894 by Tomáš Baťa in the Czech Republic.
The Bata family has maintained ownership of the company for over 125 years.
In Kenya, Bata has been present since 1932, and it operates through Bata Shoe Kenya PLC, headquartered in Limuru.
The company is a leading footwear maker in Kenya.
Owners of the Company and management.
The Kenyan Bata shoe company is owned by the Bata family.
In 1923, Tomas Bata was elected mayor of Zlin and became the sole owner of the company after his brother’s death.
When Tomas passed away in a plane crash, the company was taken over by his brother Jan and his son Thomas John Bata.
The Managing Director of Bata Kenya as of 2025 is Benson Okumu, but ownership remains with the Bata family itself.
Other members of the management team include:
- Benson Okumu – Managing Director
- Abbas Shirazi – Country Manager and Managing Director
- Manish Khanna – Director, Finance
- Ngoru John – Chief Human Resources Officer
Department Heads & Managers
- Leonard Langat – Area Sales Manager
- Abigael Mwashigadi – Purchasing Manager
- Terry Mwangi – Brand Manager
- Peter Giathi – Head of HR
- Josephine Mutai – Merchandising Manager
- Sammy Kuria – District Sales Manager (Regional)
- Kelvin Kinuthia – Buyer
- Lavender Owako – Senior Human and Employee Relations Officer
- Monica Ngetich – Buyer
- Joel Andrew – Management Trainee
Bata-Kenya Establishment and Growth
The Bata company in Kenya was established in 1932, making it one of the earliest international branches of the global Bata shoe organization.
The first stores were opened in Nairobi and Mombasa, and the company quickly expanded through the 1930s and 1940s with the construction of a manufacturing plant in Mombasa in 1939, which later moved to Limuru in 1942.
This factory in Limuru became the headquarters for Bata East Africa and significantly contributed to the growth of the company’s footprint in Kenya.
Over the decades, Bata in Kenya grew to become the leading footwear retailer in the country, with more than 150 stores, employing over 2,000 workers, and manufacturing a wide range of shoes, slippers, and sportswear.
Shoe Stores in Kenya and Locations
Bata shoe stores in Kenya are in multiple towns and major cities across the country. Some key locations with Bata shops include:
- In Nairobi: Bata stores are found in shopping malls such as Galleria Mall, The Hub Karen, Signature Mall on Mombasa Road, and along major roads like Utawala and Kimathi Street.
- Mombasa: Bata has a presence in this coastal city with stores catering to the local market.
- Nakuru: Stores are in Buffalo Mall and other centers.
- Kisumu: Bata operates outlets serving Western Kenya.
- Eldoret: Bata shops cover the Rift Valley region.
- Migori: Bata is available on Rongo – Migori Road.
- Awendo, Mlolongo towns, and other Kenyan urban centers also have Bata mini-price stores.
Bata Kenya runs more than 150 retail stores nationwide, including full Bata outlets and Bata Mini Price budget stores, ensuring widespread availability of its footwear products across many towns and cities.
Bata Shoe Company Founders
The original owners and founders of the Bata shoe company were siblings Tomáš Baťa, Antonín Baťa, and Anna Baťa.
Tomáš Baťa, a Czech entrepreneur and shoemaker from a family with eight generations of shoemaking heritage, invested his savings to launch the business.
Tomáš’s brother Antonín and sister Anna were partners in the startup firm named T. & A. Bata Shoe Company.
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Tomáš Baťa became the primary leader after Antonín died in 1908. The company quickly grew by innovating shoe manufacturing techniques and expanding globally.
History of the Bata Company
Originally founded in 1894 by siblings Tomáš, Antonín, and Anna Baťa, who came from a long line of shoemakers, the business initially faced financial struggles. But Tomáš Baťa innovated by producing canvas shoes called “Baťovky,” which helped the company grow rapidly.
By adopting mechanized production techniques after studying American systems, Bata became one of the first mass shoe producers in Europe.
The business expanded internationally, opening factories and stores worldwide and developing a large global retail and manufacturing network.
Bata entered Kenya in 1932, where it established the first Bata stores– Nairobi, Mombasa were opened.
In 1942, a new factory was built in Limuru, as well as a residential area for the employees; leather and rubber footwear, and clothing were made here.
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The number of employees rose: 1,000 people (around 1943), 1,400 people (in 1946). Limuru was the headquarters of Bata Shoe Company Limited for British East Africa
In 1962, the following companies were registered in the list of existing Bata companies: East Africa Bata Shoe Company Limited (Kenya); Interco Limited (Kenya)
Around 1965, Bata’s organization in the country lost its network of stores, which were taken over by government intervention.
In 1978, the sister company, Bata Shoe Company (Kenya) Limited, operated in the country.
1992, following Bata, businesses were active in the country:
- Bata Kenya, Limuru
- Shipping Department, Mombasa
- Branch Factory, Voi
Around the year 1990 Bata production line also included work and safety boots.
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