Zipporah Wanjiku Kinuthia, the wife of the late John Kinuthia, has shared the story of how Quickmart supermarket came to be. According to her, the idea of starting a supermarket was born out of a dream she shared with her husband in Nakuru. The couple, who got married in 1976, initially started as farmers in Nakuru before diversifying into other businesses, including a bar, a butchery, and lodgings. However, Zipporah was not satisfied with these ventures and decided to pursue her dream of opening a supermarket.
The couple's journey to establishing Quickmart began with a small kiosk in 2006. Zipporah had proposed the idea of opening a supermarket to her husband, who initially rejected it but later agreed. With their children still in school, the couple started the business on their own, running the modest kiosk. Their son, Duncan Kinuthia, who had completed his secondary education and pursued a short course in accounting, later joined the family operation and saw its potential beyond Nakuru.
Duncan Kinuthia, now a member of the Quickmart Board of Directors, played a crucial role in expanding the business. He convinced his father to take the business to Nairobi, and in 2006, Quickmart was formally established. Over the years, the chain has grown to 72 outlets across 16 counties in Kenya. Today, Quickmart is estimated to hold a market share of between 15% and 20% in Kenya's retail sector, with approximately five million customer visits per month.
Quickmart's growth has been remarkable, with the company supporting around 2.5 million Q-Points loyalty programme members, over 700 suppliers, and a workforce of over 8,000 across its outlets. In the financial year ending 2025, Quickmart posted revenue of KSh 50.4 billion and an adjusted profit after tax of KSh 1.7 billion. The company's success has been attributed to its commitment to providing quality products and services to its customers.
Recently, Quickmart announced its intention to list all its issued ordinary shares on the Main Investment Market Segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The proposed listing, which involves the sale of 2 billion ordinary shares, representing 50% of Quickmart's total issued ordinary share capital, is expected to broaden the company's ownership structure. The offer may also be extended through an over-allotment option of up to 15% of the shares on offer.
The planned transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other applicable requirements, is expected to launch on or around September 30. Quickmart clarified that no new shares will be created as part of the transaction, and the company itself will not receive any proceeds from the sale. The move is seen as the next stage in the company's development, allowing it to widen its ownership base and establish a meaningful public free float.
Zipporah Wanjiku Kinuthia's dream of opening a supermarket has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small kiosk in Nakuru. Today, Quickmart is one of Kenya's largest retail chains, with a significant presence across the country. The company's success story serves as an inspiration to many entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, even the smallest idea can grow into a giant.
Key points
- Quickmart supermarket was established in 2006 and has grown to 72 outlets across 16 counties in Kenya.
- The company has a significant market share of between 15% and 20% in Kenya's retail sector.
- Quickmart plans to list its shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, broadening its ownership structure.
