Simon Wachira’s Born in Kiburu village, nestled between Nyeri and Kirinyaga, Wachira started out in the 1980s as a hawker at Mukuyu market.
With unwavering determination, he eventually saved enough to open his own grocery shop in the 1990s.
He laid the foundation for what would become Maguna Andu Wholesalers, taking bold steps such as importing stock on credit and reinvesting profits consistently.
From these small but strategic moves, Wachira launched the first Magunas Supermarket at Kwa Maji (now known as Magunas Stage).
He steadily expanded across Nyeri, Murang’a, Meru, Kitui, and even parts of Nairobi, outcompeting major brands and cementing Magunas as a household name in central and eastern Kenya.
His supermarkets became known for fair pricing and strong community ties, attracting loyal shoppers and creating hundreds of jobs in the region.
Wachira later diversified into the hospitality sector, opening Nokras Hotel in Murang’a in 2012.
The venture was a success, prompting him to launch the more luxurious Nokras Riverine Hotel & Spa in Sagana in 2018.
This resort, which boasts over 60 rooms and 29 cottages, conference halls accommodating more than 1,000 guests, swimming pools, and modern wellness facilities, quickly became a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers.
Additionally, he developed Kilele Mall in Kenol, complete with a supermarket, petrol station, and entertainment outlets, further strengthening his business footprint.
Yesterday, however, tragedy struck when Magunas Supermarket in Meru was looted and set on fire during Saba Saba protests.
Protesters vandalized the building and surrounding businesses, causing major losses despite firefighters’ efforts, and shocking a community that had long relied on Wachira’s enterprise.
By thekenyantimes