THURANIRA: Why strip malls are quietly reshaping Kenya’s retail future

Today’s urban consumer wants speed. They want proximity.

by MWENDA THURANIRA

Commentary11 August 2025 - 11:00

A few years ago, when you thought of shopping in Nairobi, the image was clear, a grand, glass-fronted mall, complete with escalators, underground parking and anchor tenants selling the promise of a Western-style retail experience.

We built them with ambition and optimism, chasing the mall boom that swept through cities from Sandton to Cairo.

This is premium content

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Help us continue bringing you unbiased news, in-depth investigations, and diverse perspectives. Your subscription keeps our mission alive and empowers us to provide high-quality, trustworthy journalism. Join us today to make a difference!

Already Subscribed? Sign in