Shoprite retail stores close a branch in Nairobi, fire workers over tough economy

Shoprite Kenya

Shoprite Supermarket chain to lay off workers due to tough economy in Kenya. The South African giant that opened its doors in Kenya two years ago already hit hard by the tough economy.


Africa’s biggest supermarket chain, Shoprite Holdings, will lay off 104 workers after it declared the closure of its Waterfront branch in Karen on the reduced flow of shoppers.

The retail chain, which opened its first store in Kenya in 2018, has notified unions of the closure of the branch and job cuts.

“Endeavour to continue trading at the Waterfront branch is no longer viable,” Shoprite said in a notice to the Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers (KUCFW).

“It is envisaged that the extent of the redundancy will impact all employees at the said branch. There are currently 104 persons employed at the branch of which 74 are KUCFW members.”