by Mathew Mue, Retail Analyst, Planet Retail. Retail Bulletin Issue 212
29 November 2007.

With more than 30 million inhabitants, Kenya is a comparatively affluent market in East Africa and is likely to experience faster growth in the modern retail sector as the economy continues its upward trend. In fact, Kenya's modern grocery retail sales are forecast to more than double by the end of the 2008 trading period thanks to the government's continued effort to improve the country's business environment. Even though the retail sector is dominated by traditional retail channels and independent supermarkets in the countryside, the development of modern grocery chains has taken root in urban areas. Domestic players such as Nakumatt are beginning to open stores in smaller towns outside the capital city Nairobi, whilst pan-African player Shoprite has been rumoured to be considering market entry through the acquisition of struggling local player Uchumi. In this Perspectives, Mathew Mue, Planet Retail's Nairobi-based analyst, uncovers the emerging retail sector in Kenya.

Full article at http://www.planetretail.net/default.asp?ShowPage=RB&CatalogueID=60486