From a family business in Rongai to one of Kenya’s biggest supermarket chains. Discover its history, name changes and the people who own it today.
Founded in Rongai, Nakuru, in 1990, the business was started by David Kimani and Simon Gashwe, with their father, Peter Mukuha Kago, later joining the family enterprise. It began as Gitwe General Stores.
In February 1996, the business changed its name from Rongai Self Service Store to Naivasha Self Service Store. Naivasha became the location of the pioneering store under the new name.
In 1998, the business changed from Gateway General Stores to Naivasha Self Service Store. In 2006, it adopted the name Naivas, the brand shoppers know today.
After establishing its roots in Nakuru County, Naivas expanded into other towns and entered Nairobi in 2001. Over time, it grew into a nationwide supermarket chain with more than 110 branches.
The founding family retains a 49% stake in Naivas through Gakiwawa Family Company. Despite bringing in outside investors, the family remains a major shareholder in the retailer.
Mauritius-based IBL Group controls the majority shareholder, Mambo Retail, which holds 51% of Naivas. Investors Proparco of France and DEG of Germany also hold minority interests in Mambo Retail.
In 2020, outside investors acquired a minority stake in Naivas. Following subsequent ownership transactions, the IBL-led Mambo Retail group secured 51%, leaving the founding family with 49%.
On 1 November 2025, Andreas von Paleske became CEO, succeeding David Kimani Mukuha. The appointment marked a new chapter in the leadership of the family-founded retailer.
In FY2025, Naivas reportedly generated KSh 114.45 billion in revenue and KSh 2.45 billion in net profit. These figures illustrate the scale of the supermarket chain’s operations.
What began as a family business in Rongai in 1990 has grown into a major national retailer. Today, the Mukuha family retains 49%, while the IBL-led group controls 51%.