Naivas Supermarket has announced a major leadership transition. In a notice dated October 7, 2025, Naivas announced the exit of David Kimani Mukuha as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mukuha will be replaced by Andreas von Paleske, who is currently serving as the retailer’s Chief of Strategy, effective November 1, 2025.
“Naivas Supermarkets, Kenya’s leading retail chain, is pleased to announce a leadership transition as part of its long-term growth strategy. Effective 1st November 2025, Andreas von Paleske, currently Chief of Strategy, will succeed David Kimani as Chief Executive Officer,” the notice reads.
According to the notice, the incoming CEO joined Naivas eight years ago and “has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction during a period of rapid expansion.”
Andreas von Paleske to replace David Mukuha as Naivas CEO
The retail chain added that it has grown to over 100 stores and reinforced its market leadership under the joint stewardship of David and Andreas. It further said that David Kimani, who has served as CEO and is a founding member of Naivas, has chosen the company’s 35th anniversary as the moment to pass the baton.
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Naivas said that Kimani will continue to play an active role in the business alongside Peter, Charles, and the Mukuha family.
The retailer traces its origins to 1990, when Peter Mukuha Kago, alongside his children, laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of Kenya’s most prominent retail chains. Initially a modest, family-operated shop, Naivas has grown into a major national brand with 98 outlets spread across the country.
Under the guidance of David Kimani, the supermarket chain expanded rapidly, capturing the attention of global investors. In 2020, the family sold a 31.5% stake to the Mauritian-based IBL Group for $61.5 million. This was followed by the sale of an additional 8.5% stake in 2022 for another $31.5 million. Despite reducing its ownership, the Mukuha family retained significant influence in the business, securing their position among Kenya’s wealthiest retail families.
“Having achieved several landmark milestones in the past few years, and with a strong leadership team in place, I could not think of a better opportunity than our 35-year anniversary to pass on the baton to Andreas,” said David Kimani.
On his part, Arnaud Lagesse, Chairman of Naivas International, said, “David’s role laying the foundations of one of Kenya’s corporate success stories is truly commendable, and with Andreas, we have the right leader to take the business to even greater heights.
“Andreas brings deep industry experience and a strong understanding of Naivas’ culture and values. His appointment ensures continuity and positions the company for its next phase of growth.”
The rise to become a leading retail chain
Naivas’ breakthrough into Nairobi came in 2001 with the launch of its first store in Nairobi, located on Ronald Ngala Street. Between 2004 and 2009, new branches were opened in Machakos, Donholm, Komarock, and other areas. By the end of that decade, Naivas had grown to 10 outlets, with only two located in Nairobi and the rest in other regions.
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A major milestone came in 2016 with the introduction of a food market-style store along Kiambu Road—the first of its kind in East and Central Africa. By 2019, Naivas had also launched express stores, offering quick and convenient shopping experiences.
Today, the retailer operates nearly 100 outlets across Kenya, featuring a mix of full-sized supermarkets, food markets, and express branches in residential estates.
Following the death of Peter Mukuha in 2010, the family faced internal disputes regarding succession and shareholding. Despite these challenges, Naivas weathered the storm and continues to thrive, with David Kimani at the helm.
Following the announcement of the leadership transition, Naivas has maintained that it “remains committed to delivering value to its customers, partners, and communities, and this transition reinforces its focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence.”
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