NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – Uchumi Supermarket has reopened two branches in Nairobi as the retailer seeks to revive operations after years of financial challenges that forced the closure of most of its outlets.
The retailer announced on its Facebook page that the reopened stores are at Unicity Mall, near Kenyatta University, and Lang’ata Hyper.
“Uchumi is back—not just as a store, but as a story reborn. The shelves are filling, the ovens are warm, and the memories are alive again. From generations that grew up with us, to a new one discovering us — this is your home of value, rising once more,” the retailer said.
Founded in 1976, Uchumi was once one of Kenya’s leading supermarket chains but struggled in recent years after being weighed down by massive debts, governance challenges and cash flow problems, leading to the shutdown of numerous branches countrywide.
The retailer has since been pursuing a turnaround strategy under a court-supervised Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) aimed at restructuring its debts and paying creditors.
In the financial year ended June 2025, Uchumi reported a profit of Sh8.8 million, marking a rare return to profitability. The improved performance was largely driven by increased rental income from tenants, including China Square at Unicity Mall. This was a significant turnaround from the previous financial year ended June 2024, when the retailer posted a loss of Sh49.7 million.
