Kenya’s modern retail sector continues to gain momentum, with retail giant Carrefour marking 10 years of operations in the country amid growing consumer demand, the expansion of digital commerce, and an increase in the formalisation of the retail industry.
The retailer, operated in Kenya by Majid Al Futtaim, said it has expanded from its first outlet in 2016 to 34 stores nationwide, while strengthening its e-commerce operations and building an extensive local supply network.
The company says its Kenyan operations are anchored on a shared-value business model that prioritises local sourcing, supplier development, and employment creation. Carrefour currently works with more than 690 Kenyan suppliers and sources 99 per cent of its products locally, positioning the retailer among the leading supporters of domestic manufacturing and agriculture.
Over the last decade, the retailer has also created more than 3,000 direct jobs and invested in workforce development through its Retail Business School. Additionally, it has facilitated the export of Kenyan agricultural products to regional and international markets, enabling local producers to access wider markets.
Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said the company’s growth reflects the strength of its long-term partnership with the Kenyan market.
“Reaching this 10-year milestone reflects the strength of our partnership with the Kenyan market. Our focus has been on building a resilient retail ecosystem, working closely with local suppliers, empowering our people, and continuously enhancing the customer experience,” said Orcet.
“As we look ahead, we see significant opportunities to scale this model further, deepening our contribution to the economy while delivering sustained, long-term growth,” he added.
The anniversary comes at a time when Kenya’s retail sector is experiencing rapid transformation driven by changing consumer habits, urbanisation, and digital adoption.
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According to the Boston Consulting Group, modern retail is projected to increase its market share by around five percentage points by 2030, underlining the sector’s continued expansion.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics also shows that wholesale and retail trade contributed 5.4 per cent of Kenya’s GDP in the first quarter of 2025, while employment in the sector grew by about 2 per cent between 2023 and 2024.
Industry analysts say the growth of organised retail chains such as Carrefour is helping formalise the sector through structured supply chains, improved product standards, and increased market access for local suppliers.
To celebrate the milestone, Carrefour has rolled out its “10 Years, 10 Million Stories” customer appreciation campaign running from May 22 to June 11 across all its stores and on the Carrefour app.
The campaign includes rewards worth more than Sh20 million, including 10 vehicles, school fee vouchers, home appliances, fully paid holiday trips, and discounts of up to 50 per cent.
As it enters its second decade in Kenya, Carrefour says it plans to continue investing in local communities, strengthening supply chains, and expanding access to affordable, high-quality retail experiences for consumers across the country.
