Rikana Supermarket, one of Nairobi’s oldest retailers shut down operations after 27 years.
Its closure marks the end of an era and has left many reflecting on its long history and the broader challenges facing Kenya’s retail sector.
Established in 1998, and with only two branches, Rikana was among the first homegrown stand-alone supermarkets in the city to compete with international brands, serving generations of loyal customers.
Okaka added:”Its very sad and am beyond words for this historical supermarket to be closed which has a rich history of supermarket shopping to the residents of Eastlands which was our supermarket museum.”
Despite its initial success, Rikana began facing challenges in the late 2010s as uncertainties gripped the fast goods retail industry following the collapse of industry giants Tuskys, Nakumatt and major exit by international brands.
The stock of goods on its shelves dropped significantly as it struggled to stay afloat.
In its prime, the chain expanded to an additional store that was located in Donholm.
Rikana’s troubles deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and reduced consumer spending.
While some retailers adapted by investing in online platforms, Rikana struggled to keep pace. Our source revealed that delayed payments and shrinking stock began to emerge, signalling financial distress.
The final blow came in late 2024 when rising operational costs and mounting debts forced the management to make the difficult decision to cease operations.
On December 28, 2024, Rikana closed its doors.
News of Rikana’s closure has been met with an outpouring of nostalgia and sadness from residents of Makongeni, Mbotela, Kaloleni, Bahati, Shauri Moyo and the surrounding estates.
Ken Okaka a media consultant and researcher who was born raised in the adjacent Makongeni estate fell short of words to express his disappointment at the news of the closure of Rikana Supermarket.
“Rikana was the Uchumi Supermarket of our days in Eastlands along Jogoo Road. Rikana afforded us the chance of having a feel of shopping in a supermarket the days when it was a priviledge to shop at Uchumi Supermarket which was leading retail store at that time. Prices at Rikana were affordable for us and its location was accessible compared to many other supermarkets which were expensive and far as most of them were situated in town,” he said.
