Carrefour targets 500 jobs in Kenya by end of the year

French retail giant Carrefour plans to hire about 500 people for its Kenya operations by the end of this year.

About 200 staff have been recruited for its maiden Kenyan outlet which opened doors to customers Tuesday at The Hub, a new shopping mall in upmarket Karen suburb.

The Paris-based supermarket chain —ranked the world’s second-largest supermarket chain after Wal-Mart Stores — plans to open an additional 100,000-square feet store at Two Rivers, the shopping complex owned by the Nairobi bourse-listed investment firm Centum.

The two Carrefour stores in Kenya will be operated by the Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim Retail, the exclusive franchise holders for the retailer in the region.

“We are pleased to see the benefits of Carrefour’s presence in Kenya through job creation. We have so far recruited just over 200 staff members and by the end of 2016 Carrefour Kenya will have a solid staff base of 500,” said Majid Al Futtaim – Retail Kenya country manager, Franck Moreau, after yesterday’s opening of its maiden store at the Hub.

Mr Moreau said the chain’s pricing would be “competitive.”

The retailer is aiming to capture the high end shoppers who mainly frequent market leader Nakumatt.

Kenya’s formal retail market is dominated by privately-held and family-owned businesses such as Nakumatt, Tuskys and Naivas, with only one listed supermarket chain — Uchumi.

READ: Carrefour hits supermarket suppliers with tough rules

South Africa’s Massmart which opened its Game store last year at the Garden City Mall on the Thika Superhighway became the first global supermarket chain to set up in Kenya.

“At Carrefour, we are committed to offering the best price and best merchandise in a pleasant shopping environment because we are in the business of creating great moments for everyone everyday,” said Mr Moreau.

“Carrefour promises great value packs and a combination of discount offers. This means that customers can purchase quality products at even lower costs, meeting their essential needs at unbeatable prices,” added a statement by the retailer.

The retailer said its new outlet will stock more than 30,000 items, including fresh produce and groceries, a bakery, home appliances, electronics and general merchandise.

“Majid Al Futtaim prides itself in upholding the highest international standards and best practices. This includes ensuring positive supplier relations through on-going training and engagement and enhancing supplier efficiency,” said the chain. Mr Moreau said entry into the Kenyan market would pave the way for expansion into Africa.

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim operates in 14 international markets, employing more than 33,000 people.

It owns and operates 19 shopping malls, 12 hotels and three mixed-use communities, with planned developments underway in the region. The Company holds exclusive rights to the Carrefour franchise in 38 markets across Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.