DNK International By Our Correspondent,Kerugoya
Magunas Supermarket is one of the fastest growing retail chains in the country.
But few know the founder (owner) and the brain behind this supermarket chain.
Daily News Kenya-International
unveils to you a Kenyan who has defied odds to become a national icon of entrepreneurship.
Simon Wachira, the founder of Magunas Supermarket began his adult life as a rural hawker but today is the billionaire owner of supermarket business, a chain of high end hotels and iconic shopping malls scattered across the country.
Wachira was born in Kiburu village on the Nyeri–Kirinyaga border and later settled in Murang’a.
He began his journey in the early 1980’s as a small hawker in Mukuyu market in Murang’a town.
Through discipline and determination, he saved enough money to open his first shop in the early 1990’s, a retail shop that grew into a wholesale giant (Maguna Andu) and finally into a supermarket.
According to his peers, honesty, consistency, and timely payments enabled him to build trust with suppliers, thus ensuring continuous supply of goods.
From this growth, he opened the first Magunas Supermarket at Kwa Maji in Murang’a (now the renowned Magunas Stage).
Over time, he expanded the brand into neighbouring counties of Murang’a, Embu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Meru, Kitui, and even Nairobi.
The Supermarket now has almost a dozen branches in the City.
The branches are in Valley Arcade, Pangani, Roasters, Kasarani, Marurui, Kangemi. kayole,Kahawa West, Utawala and along Jogoo road.
Magunas has become a popular name with shoppers due to its friendly prices and enviable customer service.
In 2012, Wachira ventured into new frontiers when he opened Nokras Hotel in Murang’a town that Nyerians say it became an instant hit.
Later in 2018, he opened the now 4-star Nokras Riverine Hotel and Spa on the banks of Sagana River, Nokras Enkare Luxury Tented Camp, Nokras and Nokras Silver Oak Embu.
He also developed Kilele Mall in Kenol, adding to his list of successful projects.
Despite his achievements, Wachira remains humble, prayerful, and committed to giving back to the community from donating food during the COVID-19 pandemic to empowering local youth with opportunities.
A devout Roman Catholic, Wachira is a committed member of St Joseph, the worker Mumbi parish and rarely misses Sunday mass.
His story is a powerful reminder that vision, hard work and integrity can build an empire from nothing.
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🗓️ [DNK-International @January 10, 2026
