With a population of more than one million people, Kericho Town has rather been a sleeping giant as far as retail business is concerned with only a few small shops and hotels. But this is about to change with investors pouring millions of shillings to put up malls and other world class facilities.
One such development that is coming up in the town is the Sh500 million Green Square Mall consisting two floors with a supermarket and more than 20 stores and restaurants on the Nairobi-Kisumu highway.
With tea as a key economic booster, the growth of the provincial middle class in Kericho, with disposable income that is above the national average, has created local spending power and an appetite for modern offerings. The town, which has some history as a transit town, has in recent years attracted a series of private companies and NGOs.
“We were keen on having a building that would change the face of Kericho while catering to the emerging middle class,” said Mr Chris Ng’eno, the development director of the Green Square Mall.
The mall will be one of the most modern buildings in Kericho, looking out over an area of spectacular views and offering facilities that include a children’s play area and parking for more than 135 cars.
“Green Square Mall has been developed to be a one-stop-shop that will suit all the family needs for both customers and travellers along the road to dine, shop, bank and relax all under one roof,” said Mr Ng’eno. With some 57 per cent of the Kericho’s population below the age of 20, clubs and small restaurants have been the only sources of entertainment. The mall will offer a new meeting point with a more modern and technological face. All the major universities have opened campuses in the town while key banks and Saccos and private-run tea factories are now present in the area.
Kenya’s largest retailer is already eyeing space at the mall with Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Mr Atul Shah saying the chain’s commitment to establish its operations in all counties can only be achieved with the support of property developers willing to invest at counties. Nakumatt Supermarket will be the anchor tenants of the shopping mall while Dunhill Consulting who are involved with the Thika Road Mall (TRM) will be the letting agents.
The retailer, which recently embarked on a strategy to expand its operations in all the 47 counties in the next five years, has acknowledged that lack of suitable property develop ents to house modern retail outlets in various counties remains a major drawback to retail development.
“As a progressive retailer, our requirements for a constant supply of modern shopping space built to the highest standards present an opportunity for property developers such as Green Square Mall here in Kericho,” Shah said. “We currently, have running operations in 12 counties and we are engaging with a number of property developers across the country to guarantee a steady supply of suitable malls in Machakos, Nyeri, Kajiado, Garissa, Embu, Naivasha, Narok Busia and Homabay.”
The landmark development is expected to spur the real estate industry in the area which can be said to be an infant stage. “There is a demand for both modern commercial buildings and quality housing by both residents and companies setting up in the county. The Kericho County has put in place measures to make the area be conducive environment for investors,” said Mr Charles Birech of the Kericho county government.
The project, funded by KCB is expected to take 18 months to complete. It is expected to employ over 200 workers during construction and provide hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly upon completion.
The 105,572-square feet mall will feature essential amenities for both tenants and customers such as borehole water supply, back-up generators, CCTV cameras, internet connectivity and access for disabled persons.
