With a network of 60 branches spread across 16 counties, Quickmart has solidified its position as the second-largest and fastest-growing retailer in Kenya behind Naivas which has more than 90 outlets

The Supermarket which operates 24 hours in some of its branches in Nairobi is popular for its affordable fresh products including grocery and meat products.

Quickmart, which has employed over 7,000 people was established in 2006 by the late businessman John Kinuthia as a family business in Nakuru. The founding businessman died in 2016 leaving the management of the retailer to his family.

The retail chain witnessed steady growth expanding to four branches in 2014 under the leadership of Mr. Kinuthia’s son Duncan Kinuthia who took over leadership in 2010.

Quickmart’s leadership was later passed to Peter Kagiri who has since been credited for the impressive growth of the retailer to the current 60 branches countrywide.

Kagiri, who serves as the retailer’s current CEO joined Quickmart in 2013 as a leading consultant thanks to his expertise and strategic insights which fueled its expansion.

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Since assuming the role, Kagiri has partnered with various investors to scout new locations in different parts of the country in a bid to reach a diverse market segment.

His affiliation with Tumaini Supermarkets proved instrumental in attracting investment from Adenia Partners, a prominent Mauritius-based private equity firm.

The partnership led to a merger between Tumaini Supermarkets and Quickmart in 2019, catapulting the newly formed entity to become Kenya’s second-largest supermarket retailer.

Following the merger, Adenia Partners became the majority shareholder of the entity under its local subsidiary, Sokoni Retail Kenya.

The retailer’s market presence has been characterised by strategic acquisitions of stores previously held by retail brands which were no longer in operation such as Tuskys, Choppies, and Mulleys.

According to Kagiri, Quickmart thrives on local connections and its central belief that shopper satisfaction is important.

“As Kenyans, we better understand the opportunities. We know the population, the number of residents in an area and where we need to go for new locations,” he said. in an interview.

The retailer has mostly been targeting the growing middle-class population in major towns in its expansion drive.

Furthermore, it has resolved to drive more into E-commerce to increase its online market share from about 1 percent to 5 percent in the near future.