Death of goodwill: Why Sh12m shops in Nairobi’s prime streets remain vacant

BDToLet

As Nairobi’s retail landscape shifts, traders are downsizing and moving online, driving a sharp decline in goodwill fees for prime CBD shops.

Photo credit: Pool

A few years ago, securing a shop in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) was akin to striking gold. A prime location meant steady foot traffic, visibility, and the potential for growth for any type of business, whether you sold electronics, clothing, shoes, or household goods.

Back then, traders were willing to pay a goodwill fee of up to Sh10 million, which is a one-time upfront payment that tenants make to secure retail space for several years.

PAYE Tax Calculator

Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.