Bata Kenya, a shoe manufacturer and retailer, reopened its “Bata Hilton Red 2.0” store.
The reopening underscored Bata’s long-standing presence in Kenya and its continued commitment to the local market.
Bata Kenya Managing Director Benson Okumu disclosed that ninety per cent of the footwear sold in Bata stores across the country is produced in their state-of-the-art Kenyan factory, which employs over 3,000 people.
Okumu emphasised that beyond its heritage, Bata Kenya has transformed to meet the needs of modern consumers.
“The new Bata Hilton Red 2.0 reflects this shift, offering a wider variety of stylish and comfortable footwear, solidifying Bata’s position as a leading footwear destination in Kenya,” said Okumu during the launch on Wednesday.
The diverse range of store concepts, including City stores, family outlets, and flagship locations, caters to every customer segment’s unique needs and preferences.
The new collections available at the stores include Bata, Bata Red Label, Power, Bata Comfit, Bubblegummers, NorthStar, Bata Executive, Weinbrenner, and a range of made-in-Kenya collections.
Investing in Kenya’s Future
The Bata Hilton Red 2.0 opening signifies more than just a new store; the company has been operational since 1971.
Okumu said that over the past three years, Bata Kenya has invested heavily in the country, injecting over 400 million Kenyan shillings into store renovations and factory upgrades.
“These investments demonstrate Bata’s confidence in the Kenyan economy and create additional employment opportunities for Kenyans.”
“And yes, we have grown from strength to strength in sustainability; what you are looking at in terms of BATA is that we have a lot of sustainable projects that we go for.”
Bata plans to open ten new stores in 2023. “We have also entered a new go-to-market channel of domestic franchising and will open another seven domestic franchise stores.”
“Last year, we grew by 27 per cent compared to 2022. That is in terms of the top line. This year, in our budget, we have factored in a 15 per cent growth, and I think we will get it,” Okumu expressed optimism.
In 2023, Sandeep Kataria, Bata Global CEO, said they had invested 357.6 million Kenya shillings to grow its retail and factory production.
Partnership for Progress
David Macharia, Deputy Governor of Nairobi City County, graced the ceremony.
Faisal Sabzwari, President of Bata Africa & Middle East, expressed his appreciation for the leadership’s support and commended the city’s efforts to streamline business licensing and improve the overall business environment.
“The re-opening of the Bata Hilton store represents a significant milestone in our journey towards redefining footwear retail in Kenya. We are excited to introduce our latest innovations and offerings to our loyal customers,” said Faisal.
Building a Better Nairobi
Macharia highlighted Nairobi City County’s initiatives to revitalise the central business district (CBD), including improved traffic flow and focusing on non-motorised transport options.
He also mentioned implementing a unified business permit to simplify business compliance and a multi-sector inspection approach that reduces disruptions.
Additionally, the city is undertaking a waste-to-energy project to address waste management challenges. These initiatives are designed to make Nairobi a more attractive and livable destination.
The Bata Hilton Red 2.0 opening and Bata Kenya’s ongoing investments signal a bright future for the company in Kenya.
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