Why Shoprite Has Been Blocked from Exiting Kenya
South African retailer Shoprite last year announced its intent to exit the Kenyan market.
The supermarket chain stated that they would be closing their office and their two remaining branches, one at Garden City mall and the other at Westgate.
The closure was to happen in December, but the branches are still open as they clear out the shelves this January with a 50% sale on everything sale.
This announcement came months after the retailer had shut down its Waterfront, Karen branch and its City Mall, Nyali branch.
“Most likely we will be out of the Kenyan market by the end of the calendar year, meaning December, either by closing or disposing,” said Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said at the time.
Shopper blocks retail chain Shoprite s exit from Kenya
Wednesday January 27 2021
By JOSEPH WANGUI
Summary
The High Court has barred South Africa’s retail giant, Shoprite, from exiting the Kenyan market until a dispute with a shopper who was injured inside one of its branches is settled.
Shoprite, which is keen to close shop in Kenya over poor business that led to the loss of more than Sh3 billion last year, will now have to stay in business longer unless it strikes a deal with the individual.
Justice Anthony Mrima ruled the retail chain with 2,300 stores across Africa should not leave the country or dispose its assets until the case filed by Mr Patrick Alouis Macharia Maina is decided.