Uchumi Supermarkets Appoint Three New Board Directors

Uchumi Supermarkets Ltd has announced its 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for April 29, 2026, to be held virtually at 10:00 a.m. The notice signals a critical moment for the retailer, which remains under a Company Voluntary Arrangement as it continues its recovery journey. Shareholders have been called upon to participate and confirm attendance, with the AGM expected to address key governance, financial, and strategic matters shaping the company’s future.

A central focus of the meeting will be the presentation and adoption of audited financial statements covering the extended period from 2018 to 2025, alongside reports from the Chairperson, Directors, and Auditors. Notably, the Board has not recommended the payment of dividends for this period, underscoring the company’s continued focus on financial stabilization and restructuring. The AGM will also provide shareholders with an opportunity to engage on performance trends and the broader recovery strategy.

Leadership restructuring will be a major highlight, with shareholders set to elect new directors to fill existing vacancies on the Board. Among those proposed are John Mwara, Anne Makori, and Rebecca Juma, while several outgoing directors, including former chairman George Karanja, Baiju Shah, and John Karani, will not be seeking re-election. These transitions reflect ongoing efforts to refresh governance structures and strengthen oversight as the company navigates a complex turnaround phase.

Operationally, Uchumi is showing early signs of financial recovery. Recent financial disclosures indicate a significant improvement in revenue, which rose to KSh 123 million for the year ended June 2025, alongside a net profit of KSh 8.8 million—a notable turnaround from a KSh 49.7 million loss in the previous year. Growth in other income streams, particularly from leasing arrangements such as the Lang’ata Hyper outlet, has also contributed to improved performance, signaling a shift toward more sustainable revenue models.

Despite ongoing challenges, the upcoming AGM represents a pivotal opportunity for Uchumi to reinforce stakeholder confidence, align leadership, and build momentum toward long-term stability. With governance changes, improving financial indicators, and a renewed operational focus, the company is positioning itself for a gradual but strategic recovery within Kenya’s competitive retail sector.