David Kimani Mukuha remains the billionaire at the top of Kenya’s largest supermarket chain, Naivas International.
Serving as the Managing Director of Naivas, he is one of Kenya’s most influential yet discreet business figures.
With a net worth estimated at Ksh6.5 billion ($50 million) by Billionaires Africa, Kimani embodies both the triumphs and the turmoil of a retail dynasty,
Naivas Supermarket has arguably defined Kenyan shopping culture for over 30 years.
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How the Billionaire is Building Naivas
Naivas Supermarket was founded in 1990 by Peter Mukuha Kago, the late father of Kimani, and his children.
What started as a humble family-run venture has today become a household name, boasting 98 outlets nationwide.
Under Kimani’s stewardship, Naivas has expanded aggressively and attracted international attention.
In 2020, the family sold a 31.5 percent stake for $61.5 million to Mauritian conglomerate IBL Group, followed by another 8.5 percent stake for $31.5 million in 2022.
Even after reducing their shareholding, the Mukuhas retained strong influence, cementing their place as one of Kenya’s wealthiest retail dynasties.
The Roots of Naivas
The story of Naivas begins in 1990 when the late Joram Kamau, founder of Tuskys Supermarkets.
He allowed his nephews, David Kimani and his late brother Simon Mukuha, to take over one of his premises in Rongai, Nakuru, after they had served him for years in his store.
All they had to do was pay for the stock.
Together with their father, the late Peter Mukuha, they launched Gitwe General Stores in Rongai.
Four years later, growth came fast. In 1994, they opened a second outlet in Elburgon, renaming the business Rongai Self Service Stores.
By 1996, the retailer shut down the original Rongai store, expanded into Naivasha, and welcomed more siblings into the business, including Linet Wairimu and Grace Wambui.
In 2001, Naivas made its big move into Nairobi by opening a store on Ronald Ngala Street.
Between 2004 and 2009, Naivas opened stores in Machakos, Komarock, Donholm, and other regions. By the end of that decade, it had 10 outlets, 8 of which were outside Nairobi and 2 within the city.
However, in 2016, when Naivas launched its first food market concept store along Kiambu Road, it was the first of its kind in East and Central Africa.
By 2019, the retailer had also introduced express stores, targeting quick and convenient shopping.
Today, Naivas has nearly 100 outlets across Kenya, with food market stores and estate branches.
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The Naivas Family Feud
Following the passing of patriarch Peter Mukuha in 2010, succession disputes erupted within the family, especially over control of shares and inheritance.
Despite the wrangles, Naivas survived the turbulence and thrives under David Kimani’s leadership.
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