As some retailers exit the Kenyan market and others seek to expand, others have been eyeing it and are ready to pitch tent.  Massmart Holdings Ltd, a leading South African retailer will open shop in Kenya through its subsidiary, Game. According to Actis, a private equity fund, Massmart plans to open Kenya’s biggest mall on Thika Road, and has already acquired space near East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL).

Massmart, with a 51% stake owned by global retail giant Walmart, runs 302 stores in South Africa and 12 other Sub-Saharan countries. It operates in two retail formats: Game and DionWired. Game, the subsidiary through which Massmart is to enter the Kenyan retail market is the third largest distributor of consumer goods in Africa and the largest retailer of general merchandise, liquor, wholesale of basic foods and home improvement equipment. DionWired provides technological solutions.

The retail mall, whose announcement comes barely a week after the retail giant reported a 15.5% rise in full-year sales will cost Sh12.6 billion and is expected to be ready by May 2014.

According to Executives of the Game in a statement through Africa Practice, talks are underway with other retailers who are also looking to enter the Kenyan market, among them being South Africa’s fashion group, Foschini.

Even though Massmart’s entry into the growing Kenyan retail market is expected to shake up things a bit, local retailers like Tuskys are not afraid of the competition. Speaking to Business Daily, Tuskys General Manager Frank Kamau said that the market in Kenya has enough room for growth.

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