The emergence of Tumaini Supermarkets as a dominant player in the highly competitive and unpredictable retail business in Kenya is inspiring and a lesson in persistence.
This writer takes a look at how a supermarket attendant became the owner of a successful supermarket chain in the biggest economy in East and Central Africa.
The brains behind Tumaini Supermarkets is Mr. Moses Nditika. The entrepreneur, now the Tumaini Supermarkets Managing Director was once a supermarket attendant. He served in this position for 20 years.
During this period he learnt what it takes to start and run a successful business. He finally sought permission from his boss to leave and start his own shop.
Also Read: Quick Mart Supermarket Founder, Contacts And Number Of Branches
Thanks to his supportive boss, he opened his first branch in Pipeline Estate. Nditika together with his brother and partner pooled their savings amounting to Sh5 million, then secured an additional Sh5 million SACCO loan.
Despite the tough economic times that have seen some businesses close down, Tumaini Supermarkets still thrives.
Today, the Supermarkets boasts of 12 branches that are fully operational.
Recently, Sokoni Retail Kenya acquired over 50% shares in the giant retailer.
Quick Mart and Tumaini Self Service merged on August 26, 2019. Part of the statement announcing the merger read in part:
“Quick Mart and Tumaini Self Service announce that their respective board of directors have authorised the commencement of a merger and business integration of the two companies. This follows the approval by the Competition Authority of Kenya on August 26.”
