Text Book Centre (TBC), a leading educational and office supplies conglomerate, has launched a new store in Ruiru, aiming to serve the residents of Kiambu County.
The Nord Ruiru store is TBC’s second location outside of Nairobi and the thirteenth nationwide.
Sachin Varma, the TCB Chief Executive Officer, stated that the expansion aims to address the increasing demand for high-quality educational resources within the county.
“Our presence here in Ruiru reflects our dedication to fostering this growth by ensuring that students and educators have access to top-quality materials and resources.” stated Varma.
In addition to books, art supplies, and stationery, TBC will also provide an extensive selection of tech products, featuring laptops, printers, and various essential electronic devices.
“Every product in our catalogue is meticulously chosen to meet stringent standards of quality and authenticity. We believe that by using genuine tech products, students and professionals can boost their productivity and safeguard their investments,” he said.
Ruiru is experiencing a surge in population and economic development in Kiambu County, emphasising its market potential for brands like TBC and others.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Director of Education in Kiambu County, Emily Nyaga, noted that the education sector has been allocated the largest portion of the national budget, receiving Sh628.6 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, which amounted to 27.4 percent of the total planned national expenditure.
“We are pleased that the Text Book Centre has opened its doors here, offering our vibrant community the resources they need to thrive, both academically and professionally,” she said.
The expansion seeks to improve convenience and accessibility for the residents of Thika Town and the neighbouring regions, offering them a range of affordable products.
The bookshop’s opening follows the recent launch of a new Carrefour store in the same mall, which occurred earlier this week. Carrefour, a prominent convenience store in Kenya, expanded its e-commerce presence into Ruiru town.
The new Carrefour store is anticipated to generate 67 jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers in Kenya.
Additionally, the expansion seeks to create opportunities for over 700 local farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and manufacturers who provide products to the retailer, furthering a local sourcing rate of 99 percent.
The arrival of multinational supermarkets and prominent bookstore chains near residential areas signifies a significant shift in Kenya’s retail landscape.
By Hellen Lunalo
