Top Supermarkets in Kenya 2025:
In 2025, Kenya’s retail landscape is more dynamic than ever. From explosive mergers to quiet collapses and foreign takeovers, shoppers may not even know who truly owns their neighborhood supermarket. If you have ever doubted who owns Naivas what is behind Quickmart’s rise or whether Carrefour is Kenyan owned this definitive guide breaks it all down with updated insights investment details and expert backed data.
Leading Supermarkets in Kenya 2025: Ownership Breakdown
Naiva Supermarket
- Owner(s):
- Local Family: Mukuha Family (creators)
- Private Equity: ICG (UK) Amethis Finance Proparco (France)
- Details:
- Over 90 Outlets across Kenya
- Market Leader by Store count and Selling share
- Strategic Expansion backed by foreign Development finance
Quickmart Supermarket
- Owner(s):
- Current: Adenia Partners (Mauritius based PE firm)
- Former: Wakulima family (founders)
- Details:
- Second Largest Chain in Kenya
- Rapid Expansion post merger through Tumaini Supermarkets in 2019
- Strong presence in Nairobi and main Towns
Carrefour Kenya
- Owner(s): Majid Al Futtaim (UAE based conglomerate)
- Details:
- Franchise rights for Africa and the Middle East
- Dominates premium urban retail Segments
- Expanding in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu
Chandarana Foodplus
- Owner(s): Chandarana Family
- Details:
- Family owned and premium positioned
- Targets high income earners in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa
Cleanshelf Supermarkets
- Owner(s): Mulei family
- Details:
- Concentrated in Nairobi outskirts, Kiambu, and Central Kenya
- Gaining traction in budget Conscious Markets
Eastmatt Supermarkets
- Owner(s): Eastleigh based local Family
- Details:
- Popular for affordability
- Often nearby bus terminals and high footfall areas
Woolworths Kenya
- Owner(s): Franchise held by Deacons Kenya (in administration)
- Details:
- Fashion-focused, limited food retail
- High-end malls only
Tumaini Supermarkets (Now part of Quickmart)
- Owner(s): Adenia Partners
- Details:
- Fully absorbed by Quickmart post-merger
- No longer operates in unique branding
Mulleys Supermarkets
- Owner(s): Mulei family
- Details:
- Once a regional power in Eastern Kenya
- Now struggling by financial constraints
Tuskys Supermarket
- Owner(s): Nyaga family
- Details:
- Former selling giant
- Collapsed to mismanagement and debt
- Minor comeback attempts in 2025
Supermarket Ownership & Market Status
| Supermarket | Owner(s) | Status (2025) |
| Naivas | Mukuha family + ICG, Amethis, Proparco | Largest chain |
| Quick mart | Adenia Partners | Rapidly increasing |
| Carrefour Kenya | Majid Al Futtaim | Main urban presence |
| Chandarana | Chandarana family | Premium market niche |
| Clean shelf | Mulei family | Expanding regionally |
| East matt | Local family | Affordable segment |
| Mulleys | Mulei family | Declining footprint |
| Woolworths Kenya | Deacons (franchise) | Niche lifestyle retail |
| Tumaini | Now part of Quick mart | Merged |
| Tuskys | Nyaga Family | Minimal comeback |
Kenya’s Retail Revolution: Trends to Watch in 2025
- Private Equity Surge: From Naivas to Quickmart foreign investment is reshaping ownership.
- Urban vs Rural Divide: Chains such as Carrefour and Chandarana dominate urban areas while Eastmatt and Cleanshelf excel in peri urban markets.
- Family Legacy vs Corporate Takeovers: Naivas and Chandarana remain Kenyan rooted however PE firms are gaining control.
FAQs: Supermarket Ownership in Kenya
Q: Who owns Naivas Supermarket?
A: It is primarily owned by the Mukuha family through additional stakes held by ICG (UK), Amethis (France) and Proparco.
Q: Why did Tuskys collapse?
A: Due to mismanagement, internal conflicts, and accumulated debt.
Q: Is Carrefour a Kenyan brand?
A: No, it is owned by Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE based conglomerate that holds the franchise for Africa.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Kenyan Retail
For dominance in Kenya’s supermarket the battle sector is far from over. With local legacies such as Naivas and Chandarana holding firm, and aggressive expansion from Quickmart and Carrefour the next limited years will define who truly rules the aisle.