After nearly three decades of serving estates along Nairobi’s Jogoo Road, Rikana Supermarket, one of the city’s oldest homegrown retailers, has officially shut its doors. Established in 1998, Rikana was a trailblazer in Nairobi’s retail sector, operating as a stand-alone supermarket with two branches that catered to generations of loyal customers.
The retailer’s decline began in the late 2010s, as Kenya’s fast-moving goods retail industry faced turbulence following the collapse of giants like Nakumatt and Tuskys. Rikana struggled to compete in an increasingly competitive market dominated by emerging local chains like Naivas and Quickmart, which offered modern shopping experiences and aggressively expanded their footprints.
The COVID-19 pandemic further compounded Rikana’s challenges, disrupting supply chains and reducing consumer spending. By December 28, 2024, the supermarket, which had once expanded to include a second outlet in Donholm, closed permanently.
Rikana’s closure highlights the shifting dynamics of Kenya’s retail sector. The entry of global chains, the rise of e-commerce, and changing consumer habits have reshaped the market, making it difficult for smaller, independent players to stay afloat.
For many residents, the closure of Rikana marks the end of an era, sparking reflections on its long history and its impact on the community.