China Village, one of the newest entrants reshaping Kenya’s retail landscape, on Friday opened its second hypermarket at the fast-growing Juja City Mall, marking another step in China’s expanding commercial footprint in Nairobi.
The new Juja City Mall branch, located on the first floor and stocked with thousands of items ranging from electronics to fashion and gaming, was officially opened in a colorful ceremony attended by shoppers, media personalities, influencers, veteran comedian Eric Omondi and celebrated hip hop artist King Kaka.
For the retailer, the expansion to Juja signals more than just growth in floor space. It reflects a strategic move to cement China’s presence in Kenya’s highly competitive retail sector. And according to the company’s leadership, this is only the beginning.
China now closer to Kenyans
Speaking during the launch, Henry Chen, managing director of the new Juja City branch, said the hypermarket is part of a broader plan to bring modern, affordable retail experiences to more Kenyan cities.
“This is China being brought closer to Kenyans,” Chen said. “We want to keep stocking the best quality and meet the demands of our customers.”
Chen added that China Village aims to capitalise on Kenya’s fast-growing middle class, the rising desire for variety, and the appetite for imported household goods. He noted that opening during the festive season, traditionally the busiest shopping period of the year, was a strategic choice designed to inspire customers and showcase the breadth of products available.
“We launched during the festive season to capture Kenyans’ imagination and display quality and affordability on household goods such as kitchenware, furniture, electronics, beddings, clothing, footwear, hardware tools, car accessories, art, Chinese food and modern gaming,” Chen said.
The hypermarket is offering a 20 percent discount on all items from now until January 1st, a move likely to draw heavy foot traffic as households prepare for Christmas and the new year.
Expansion beyond Nairobi
Though all current China Village and Chinese-owned hypermarkets are located in Nairobi, including Mombasa Road, Karen, Langata, Galleria, and now Juja, Chen revealed that the company is planning a nationwide rollout.
“China Village is considering opening new branches in other cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret,” he said, noting that feasibility studies are already underway. “In 2026, we are planning to launch two more branches.”
While expanding outside the capital would place China Village and similar retailers in direct competition with established chains such as Naivas, Carrefour and Quickmart, Chen believes there is demand.
“Kenyans want variety, affordability, and a unique shopping experience. We believe we can provide that in any city across the country,” he said.
A fusion of retail and modern entertainment
Beyond its merchandise, the new hypermarket is positioning itself as a lifestyle and entertainment hub. Vanessa Nasyombe, the store supervisor, said the Juja branch stands out for incorporating modern gaming services, including Virtual Reality, which has quickly become a major attraction among younger shoppers.
“We have modern gaming services here utilising Virtual Reality at affordable rates. Come and reimagine the future,” Nasyombe said. She expressed optimism about business performance heading into the new year, noting that Kenya’s youthful population is increasingly seeking immersive entertainment options alongside shopping. “They want a new experience in gaming. We’re offering that.”
The inclusion of advanced gaming studios reflects a trend among foreign owned hypermarkets seeking to differentiate themselves in a market where shopping is now viewed as both a necessity and a leisure experience.
Customers praise variety and pricing
As hundreds of shoppers streamed through the aisles during the launch, many expressed excitement over the breadth of items available and the competitive pricing, particularly at a time when many households are grappling with high living costs.
“They have such a wide range of goods and gaming services, sometimes I don’t know what to choose,” said Ivy Waithera, a shopper and commercial model who visited to sample the latest clothing arrivals. “It’s so difficult to enter this mall and fail to spend on something that inspires you.”
Other shoppers noted that the availability of Chinese brands, many of which are increasingly popular in Kenyan households, would likely draw consistent customers, especially young families, students and first time home set up buyers.
Adding to the appeal is the food section, where Chen encouraged Kenyans to try the mall’s offering of Chinese cuisines.
“Come and taste Chinese cuisines here. We also have Kenyan food,” he said, emphasizing the hypermarket’s intention to bridge cultures through food and retail.
Influencers add spark to launch
The opening ceremony took a vibrant turn with appearances from well known Kenyan entertainers, who mingled with shoppers, posed for photos and shared their excitement about the offers.
“It’s great seeing sales deals that are so good. On top of the price being affordable, there’s a 20 percent discount,” comedian Eric Omondi told the crowd. His presence, alongside celebrated hip hop artist King Kaka and several high profile social media influencers, added a celebratory atmosphere to the event.
Chinese retailers have been particularly successful in Nairobi due to their ability to combine price competitiveness, wide product selection and a mall-like experience under one roof. Their business model appeals especially to Kenya’s growing urban population seeking durable household goods and contemporary lifestyle products without high price tags.
