Sarit Centre, located in Westlands, Nairobi, is a prominent shopping complex that prides itself as “a City within a City.”
Boasting the title of the oldest mall in Nairobi, Sarit Centre has evolved over the years to become a thriving hub of retail, entertainment, and community.
The mall was founded by the late Sobhagayachand Vidhu Shah and Maneklal Rughani, two close friends who recognized the business potential in Nairobi after Kenyan Independence and the departure of foreigners.
The initial venture of Vidhu Shah and Maneklal Rughani was Text Book Centre, a bookshop with multiple branches in Nairobi and Kakamega.
Inspired by a shopping center they visited in London, the duo decided to replicate the concept in Nairobi.
Construction of Sarit Centre began in the 1970s, but it faced setbacks due to a coup attempt in 1982, causing the project to be scaled down.
The Birth of Sarit Centre
Finally, on April 27, 1983, Sarit Centre opened its doors to the public, albeit on a smaller scale than originally planned.
The first tenants, Uchumi and Text Book Centre, initially faced challenges, but the founders devised creative strategies to entice customers and reimburse the tenants for their initial losses.
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Sarit Centre’s early years were financially difficult, and it took approximately 5 to 7 years before the company started making profits, as mentioned by Sarit Shah, the current CEO in an earlier interview.
Expanding Horizons
Sarit Centre’s success prompted the owners to continually adapt to changing market demands.
The owners embarked on expansion plans that included the addition of a gym, a cinema, and a food court.
In 1995, Sarit Centre underwent a significant expansion, increasing its size and introducing new amenities to cater to the evolving needs of shoppers.
A Refreshing Revamp
In 2015, Sarit Centre underwent another transformation to stay ahead in the competitive retail landscape.
The owners, inspired by international architectural trends, decided to revamp the mall and position it as “a City within a City.”
This new concept aimed to provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience by incorporating modern design elements and creating an environment that transcended traditional shopping centers.
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Today, Sarit Centre boasts more than 70 retail and service outlets, hosting renowned brands such as Carrefour, LC Waikiki, Woolworths, and Nairobi Sports House.
Shoppers can explore a diverse range of offerings, from fashion and electronics to books and home decor.
The mall’s vibrant food court offers a plethora of dining options, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Continued Growth and Success
Sarit Centre’s expansion has not slowed down.
With the completion of the third phase, the mall now spans an impressive 575,000 square feet and includes an expo center spanning 70,000 square feet.
Additionally, it provides parking facilities for approximately 1,550 vehicles.
Current Owners of Sarit Center
After the deaths of Maneklal Rughani in 1997 and Vidhu Shah, who guided the company to great success until his passing on April 6th, 2021, the Sarit Centre remains under the control of the founders families, with Vidhu Shah’s family playing a significant role in its management.
Sarit Nitin Shah, serving as the CEO, leads the operations, while Atul Shah oversees the financial aspects.
Mansur Kasmani ensures smooth day-to-day operations as the Operations Manager
