Quickmart Kenya, a leading homegrown supermarket chain, has opened its Initial Public Offering (IPO) at Sh7.50 per share, allowing Kenyans to invest in the company as it prepares to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in November. The retailer's IPO offers 2 billion existing ordinary shares, with a minimum application of 500 shares, valued at Sh3,750. The offer runs until October 30, 2026, giving investors three weeks to apply.
Quickmart operates over 70 branches across 16 counties in Kenya and has built its brand around its signature "Fresh and Easy" philosophy, specializing in fresh produce, daily baked goods, and convenient hot deli meals. The company's growth has been significant since its founding in Nakuru in 2006, with 68 stores across 16 counties as of June 30, 2026, and 72 stores after opening four more in July and August.
The IPO is open to eligible Kenyan retail investors, as well as institutional and other qualifying investors under the offer terms. However, the 2 billion shares being sold are existing shares, not newly created stock, and are being sold by Sokoni Retail Kenya Limited, Quickmart's current shareholder. This means the money raised from the offer goes to the selling shareholder rather than directly into Quickmart's bank account.
Quickmart's official IPO information estimates net offer proceeds of about Sh14.4 billion to Sokoni after applicable offer expenses. The listing gives the public a 50% ownership stake in the supermarket while providing the existing shareholder with an exit opportunity. The company's revenue grew at a compound annual rate of 18.4% between 2021 and 2025, with revenue reaching Sh50.4 billion and adjusted profit after tax of Sh1.7 billion in 2025.
To buy Quickmart shares, investors need a valid Central Depository System (CDS) account, where NSE shares are electronically held. Quickmart has provided three main application channels: the Quickmart IPO online portal, Safaricom Ziidi Trader, and a USSD code *483*803#. Investors can pay through M-Pesa or other payment options specified on the IPO platform.
The offer closes on October 30 at 5 pm, and Quickmart expects to announce the IPO results on November 6, credit successful investors' CDS accounts, and begin refunds from November 11, before the shares start trading on the NSE on November 12, 2026. The dates remain subject to regulatory approval and could change. An investor who receives fewer shares than applied for will have the excess application money refunded.
Once listed, Quickmart shares will trade like other NSE stocks, with their market price rising or falling depending on demand, the company's financial performance, and wider market conditions. Quickmart's board says it intends to target a dividend payout ratio of at least 80% of annual profit after tax, paid semi-annually, subject to the company's performance, capital needs, growth plans, and board discretion.
Key points
- Quickmart's IPO offers 2 billion shares at Sh7.50 per share, with a minimum investment of Sh3,750.
- The listing gives the public a 50% ownership stake in the supermarket while providing the existing shareholder with an exit opportunity.
- Quickmart's revenue grew at a compound annual rate of 18.4% between 2021 and 2025, with revenue reaching Sh50.4 billion and adjusted profit after tax of Sh1.7 billion in 2025.
