Rikana Supermarket, a fixture along Nairobi’s Jogoo Road for nearly three decades, has officially shut its doors, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s oldest homegrown retail stores.
Founded in 1998, Rikana was a pioneer in Nairobi’s retail landscape, operating as a stand-alone supermarket with two branches that served generations of loyal customers across Eastlands.
However, the supermarket’s fortunes began to wane in the late 2010s as the retail landscape became more competitive.
The collapse of major players like Nakumatt and Tuskys created turbulence in Kenya’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, and Rikana struggled to keep up with the growing presence of local chains such as Naivas and Quickmart.
These emerging competitors offered modern shopping experiences and rapidly expanded their networks.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Rikana’s challenges, disrupting supply chains and diminishing consumer spending. Despite efforts to adapt, Rikana’s second outlet in Donholm also closed, and by December 28, 2024, the supermarket shut down permanently.
Rikana’s closure underscores the shifting dynamics of Kenya’s retail sector.
The rise of global chains, the growth of e-commerce, and evolving consumer preferences have dramatically reshaped the market, leaving smaller, independent businesses like Rikana struggling to survive.
For many Eastlands residents, the supermarket’s closure represents the end of a significant chapter, sparking nostalgic reflections on its long-standing role in the community.
