NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 5 – China Village has opened its second hypermarket at Juja City Mall, marking its latest push into Kenya’s fast-growing retail sector as Chinese-owned retailers continue to expand their footprint in Nairobi and beyond.
The new outlet, located on the mall’s first floor, features thousands of products ranging from electronics and household goods to fashion, hardware and gaming. Shoppers turned up in large numbers for the launch, which drew entertainers including Eric Omondi and musician King Kaka.
Henry Chen, the managing director of the Juja City branch, said the expansion is part of a bigger plan to strengthen the retailer’s presence in Kenya’s competitive retail market.
“This is China being brought closer to Kenyans. We want to keep stocking the best quality and meet the demands of our customers,” Chen said during the opening.
He noted that the hypermarket aims to tap Kenya’s expanding middle class and the rising demand for variety and imported goods. He added that launching during the festive season was deliberate to showcase the full range of products.
“We launched during the festive season to capture Kenyans’ imagination and display quality and affordability on items such as kitchenware, furniture, electronics, beddings, clothing, footwear, hardware tools, car accessories, art, Chinese food and gaming,” he said.
The retailer is offering a 20 percent discount on all products until January 1, a move expected to drive heavy traffic during the holiday period.
Although most China Village and other Chinese-owned hypermarkets are based in Nairobi — including branches along Mombasa Road, Karen, Lang’ata and Galleria — Chen revealed that nationwide expansion plans are underway.
“China Village is considering opening new branches in cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. In 2026, we are planning to launch two more branches,” he said, adding that feasibility studies are ongoing.
Store supervisor Vanessa Nasyombe said the Juja outlet is not just a retail space but also an entertainment hub, integrating virtual reality gaming that has quickly become a major draw.
“We have modern gaming services utilising Virtual Reality at affordable rates. Come and reimagine the future,” she said, noting that young shoppers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences alongside shopping.
Many customers praised the variety and affordability on display, especially at a time when households are facing high living costs.
“They have such a wide range of goods and gaming services; sometimes I don’t know what to choose,” said shopper and commercial model Ivy Waithera.
Chinese retailers have gained traction in Nairobi by offering competitive pricing, a wide selection of goods and a one-stop shopping experience. Chen urged customers to also explore the store’s food section.
“Come and taste Chinese cuisines here. We also have Kenyan food,” he said.
Entertainers and influencers added colour to the opening, interacting with customers and highlighting the ongoing discounts. Eric Omondi praised the competitive pricing, noting: “It’s great seeing sales deals that are so good. On top of the price being affordable, there’s a 20 percent discount.”
China Village says it is betting on variety, affordability and modern retail experiences to strengthen its foothold in Kenya’s evolving retail market.
