Kenyan businessman Chris Musau is known for building a successful business empire that includes the iconic 680 Hotel in Nairobi, which he acquired for a reported Ksh1.2 billion.
However, Musau’s journey in business began long before the high-profile hotel acquisition.
The businessman previously owned Nova Supermarkets, a retail chain with outlets in Machakos and Komarock, Nairobi. He eventually sold the supermarket business to Naivas after his children showed little interest in taking over its operations.
Musau has recalled the demanding years he spent building the retail business, saying he worked long hours to establish Nova Supermarkets.
“None of my children were keen on taking over operations of Nova Supermarkets in Machakos and Komarock that saw me work for eight straight years starting at 6am to midnight daily,” Musau said.
Rather than leave the business without a willing successor, Musau opted to sell the supermarket chain to Naivas, one of Kenya’s major supermarket retailers.
The sale marked another chapter in the entrepreneur’s business journey and allowed the Nova outlets to become part of a larger retail network.
Musau’s story highlights the challenges business owners can face when succession plans do not involve the next generation, even after years of building a successful enterprise.
From running supermarkets to investing in prominent Nairobi properties, Musau has built a reputation as a businessman with interests across different sectors of the Kenyan economy.