East Africa Volume 6

MARKET Tuskys is one of Kenya’s leading retail chains and strongest brands in the region with 64 outlets; 57 in Kenya and 7 in Uganda. The retail chain offers a variety of affordable products to low and middle-income households. In addition, Tuskys offer a variety of in-store convenience outlets and solutions such as Mavazi Lifestyle fashion outlets, To-go Delis, Bakeries and full cream milk dispensers. At Tuskys, they endeavour to continue growing and serving their loyal customers.The company has adopted world-class retail benchmark and is tuned to changing customer needs by always availing goods at the right time and at the right price. Corporate Transformation Inspired by the commitment to build a sustainable brand, Tuskys has been undertaking a conscious corporate developments to guide its growth. Always remembering the family heritage and committed to growing a contemporary business, the company has adopted a robust operating strategy which provides the necessary infrastructure and corporate governance frameworks. Such frameworks have allowed the complete separation of management and ownership, link in day-to-day operations and thus provided for superior corporate governance. Tuskys is fully owned by the family of the founder, the late Mzee Joram Kamau, via the parent company Orakam Holdings Ltd. However, the day-to-day management decisions are carried out by the management team led by the CEO Mr. Dan Githua. Commitment Even though Tuskys operates free of debt, it has developed a practical supplier finance management solution in conjunction with DTB Bank. This solution provides a prompt supplier payment for suppliers subscribed to the pilot programme. Plans are at an advanced stage to expand the solution to cover all Tuskys suppliers as part of our commitment to enhance stakeholder relations. ACHIEVEMENTS Tuskys also takes pride in the following achievements amongst others:- Brand of the Year Award 2017 and 2018: Tuskys has won the Kenya Supermarket Brand of the Year; confirming that the brand, their management initiatives, and their customer loyalty were ever evolving. Best Electronics Partner in East and Central Africa - Samsung: Tuskys was acknowledged by Samsung as the Best Electronics Partner in East and Central Africa for their Deals Poa, a promotional campaign in 2017.This was a huge campaign that highlighted in-store products that gave customers more “value for money”. Tuskys Internship Programme: Launched in October 2015, Tuskys is the first and only supermarket chain that offers training for the Retail sector through an internship programme. They have so far trained and mentored over 3000 beneficiaries. 16th Kenya Homes Expo 2013: Tuskys won 2nd place in the Home Interiors category and 3rd place in the Home Development category. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Cycle: In 2012, Tuskys was one of the sponsors of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Cycle with the Rhino project geared to saving the endangered species. Bondeni Maternity Hospital: In October 2012, Tuskys donated Ksh 5 million towards the renovation of Bondeni Maternity Hospital in Nakuru. Kenyatta National Hospital: In December 2011 Tuskys paid hospital bills for 50 patients unable to settle their bills at Kenyatta National Hospital. Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK): Tuskys also won two warrior awards in marketing from the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) in 2008. Distinguished Taxpayer Award: Tuskys was recognised by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for collection and remittance of taxes to the Exchequer as a Distinguished Taxpayer Award 2008. Annual Wareng Cross Country Race: In 2004, Tuskys launched the race as part of its corporate social responsibility. The event was sponsored by Tuskys and was recognised by the Athletics Kenya Calendar. The program nurtures athletics talent and still remains a home for elite athletes. HISTORY Tuskys started out as a family owned business and has remained so over the years. The chain was founded back in 1980s by Mr. Joram Kamau, a Nakuru businessman. In an amazing story of true resolve, he sold his prize bull to raise capital for the first mattress shop - christened Magic Shop in the Rongai Township in Nakuru County. The outlet expanded and was moved to Nakuru town as Magic Superstores. A second branch was later established in Nairobi. The first Tusker Mattresses Limited outlet was established in 1990 in Nairobi. In 2000 Magic Superstores and Tusker Mattresses Limited merged to form the outfit that is now Tuskys. Kamau’s sons joined the family business and worked tirelessly alongside their father to expand it from a humble mattress store to a giant retail chain in Kenya and Uganda. After their father’s passing in 2002, they proudly continue to follow his vision of Tuskys’ “Pay Less, Get More, Everyday,” where each customer is always thought of as family and is offered the best quality prices at affordable rates. Tuskys proudly serves over 10 million customers every month from its 62 retail stores and online platforms. Tuskys employs over 6,000 employees and supports a pool of over 3,000 suppliers. The legacy of Kamau proudly grows each day. 112