This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
Naivas Supermarket chairman Simon Gashwe passed away on Monday, August 26, after suffering a stroke a few days prior.
He was the chairman of the business that started as a family venture in Rongai, Nakuru county, and has been hailed for steering Naivas into the retail giant it is today.
Businesswoman Agnes Kagure described the late Simon Gashwe as a passionate businessman who was deeply concerned about Kenya's high unemployment rate.
She recalled that the businessman believed there were many unexploited business opportunities in the country that could address the issue of unemployment.
"Simon was a good-hearted man who would be saddened by the fact that unemployment was growing while our country still has many unexploited avenues of investments," she said.
The late Simon Gashwe will be laid to rest on Thursday, August 29, at the Lang'ata cemetery in Nairobi, following his passing while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital.
Under his leadership, Naivas Supermarket grew into a mega chain store brand in East Africa with over 50 branches across the country, starting from a humble village kiosk.
Naivas started off as Rongai Self Service Stores, a family shop, before its transformation into a retail giant.
Businesswoman Agnes Kagure, who is also the patron of the Kenya University Students Organization, urged the youth to follow the example of the late Simon Gashwe, an honest visionary who did not take shortcuts in his journey.
She also challenged the government to ensure that proper policies are in place to create a culture of entrepreneurship.
Source: Tuko.co.ke
