En route to the picturesque County of Murang’a, just as you approach Kenol Town, your attention is drawn to the newly erected Kilele Mall, home to Magunas Supermarket. Magunas Supermarket is a prominent retail chain primarily concentrated in the Mount Kenya region. However, this retail giant is expanding its presence across the country, with a recent branch opening in Kitui.
The recently inaugurated branch of Magunas Supermarket within Kilele Mall is nothing short of magnificent.
Today, our Business and Lifestyle team delves into the life of the entrepreneur who stands at the helm of the Magunas Supermarket chain.
Early Life and Ascent Simon Wachira, an individual whose wealth runs into the billions, has maintained a remarkable level of reclusiveness and humility. Born and raised in Kiburu village, straddling the border of Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties, he later relocated to Murang’a County.
In the 1980s, his journey began as a hawker in Mukuyu market. He diligently saved the profits from his hawking endeavors, which eventually enabled him to establish a retail shop in Mukuyu in 1990. Simon reflects on those early days, stating, “The modest savings from my hawking venture played a crucial role in establishing my first shop, with the additional support of friends I had met along the way.”
The Birth of a Retail Empire The retail shop gained momentum, leading him to venture into Maguna-Andu Wholesalers, where he would procure goods from manufacturers on credit.
This wholesale venture eventually evolved into Magunas Supermarket. The inaugural branch was located in the Kwa Maji area, now fondly referred to as Magunas Stage. Over the years, Simon continued to expand his retail portfolio.
Today, this retail giant competes for market share alongside well-established names such as Naivas and Quickmatt. It boasts branches in various regions, including Nyeri, Nairobi, Meru, Kitui, and Kiambu counties.
Magunas Supermarket goes the extra mile by delivering goods to customers in Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Laikipia. In addition to creating employment opportunities for hundreds of youths in various branches, the supermarket plays a vital role in supporting local farmers and businesses through its “Buy Kenya Build Kenya” initiative.
The Hospitality Venture In 2012, Simon Wachira ventured ambitiously into the hospitality sector by establishing Nokras Hotel, a four-star facility in Murang’a.
The hotel, equipped with spacious rooms and modern amenities, is recognized as one of the finest in the county. It occupies a prime location behind the former Kenol Kobil Petrol Station, adjacent to Magunas Supermarket along the Murang’a – Makuyu road.
Nokras Hotel is conveniently situated just a 3-minute drive from Murang’a town and approximately a 2-hour drive from Nairobi.
Following the hotel’s resounding success, the entrepreneur expanded his footprint in the sector by founding Nokras Riverine Hotel and Spa in Sagana. This luxurious establishment boasts 65 rooms, 29 cottages, and conference halls with a capacity of up to 1,000 people.
In 2019, the facility hosted prominent guests, including politicians attending the sixth Devolution Conference held in Kirinyaga County. It has also been chosen by Utalii College for employee training in the Mount Kenya region.
The Kilele Mall Endeavor Simon Wachira is the driving force behind the newly opened Kilele Mall in Kenol, Murang’a County. This multipurpose mall features a petrol station, supermarket, and entertainment venues among its tenants. The mall made headlines when a Catholic priest was captured in a viral video seemingly blessing the new Quiver Lounge situated within the premises.
However, it was later clarified by the club’s owner, Mr. Peter Mbugua, that the initiative was not solely for the nightclub but rather a dedication of the entire mall to a divine purpose, with Quiver Lounge being a part of it.
