Nairobi — Uchumi Supermarket is back in Nakuru Town five years after it closed shop due to liquidity problems.

The chain reopened its branch near Nakuru Wholesale Market at the weekend, attracting a large number of shoppers.

The re-entry of Uchumi is set to intensify the fight for the lucrative market that is dominated by Tuskys, Ukwala, Stage Mattresses, Wool Mart and Gilanis.

Kenya's leading supermarket, Nakumatt, is also expected to open its first store in the town before the end of the year.

Direct employment

"We are back in Nakuru town with one promise -- to offer good services and pocket-friendly prices to our esteemed customers," said branch manager Peter Githinji.

Many shoppers said they were happy that Uchumi had reopened its Nakuru branch.

"I'm happy that Uchumi is back in town. We have been exploited by the rest of the supermarkets for a long time," said a shopper.

Apart from direct employment, the new branch is a boon to traders who will supply the chain with goods, including fresh farm produce.

Nakumatt is expected to open a mega branch on the town's Kenyatta Avenue before the end of the year.