Nakumatt Supermarket, Mombasa, Kenya

July 26, 2007

Last month, after increased rebel activity in Eastern Congo, it seemed a good idea to take a break. Rather excitingly I found myself on the coast of Kenya, even more exciting however was that I found myself next to the supermarket Nakumatt, pictured here in all its capitalist glory.

Nakumatt Supermarket, Mombasa

After spending many an hour wandering, and indeed wondering over the many aisles and goods that were on perfect display, these visits were ended by the obligatory wait at the checkout queue.

Checkout Queue

I would estimate that 8 out of 10 of these queue standings would be unremarkable if compared to an English queue. They probably weren’t as fast moving as their English counterpart, but I didn’t really notice as I myself am now hardly ever in a hurry.

Man queuing beyond his alloted time
However, I would like to bring to your attention a couple of factors that could create a problem for the potential queuing visitor in Kenya.

The first problem is large Indian families. On more than one occasion I noticed that, rather than queuing, they tend to gather in the queuing area behind many queues, thus increasing their chances of being served faster.

We have seen similar behaviour in England, although never before attempted by a large extended group where such characteristics are also encouraged in the very young.

Indian Family 'queuing'

There may still be hope for this young lad however, notice the pensive, even hesitant stance that he has adopted in the queuing area. His elders were not so shy and with brusque confidence they took their positions across two and a half supermarket checkout queues.

The second factor to look our for when shopping in Nakumatt, Mombasa, is the rogue shopping basket. It is actually something to look out for from the very start of your shopping experience as you will never find one near the shop entrance. Instead you will be in competition with your fellow shoppers, hopeful to find a basket before you reach the dried pasta or, and I do not wish this even on my worse enemies, the bottled water. But let me not digress, I can already hear Gary Wood shouting “The queue William, what about the queue?” And yes, my dear Gary, the queue indeed.

Well, as the shopping basket has become such a sacred, sought after object in this temple of consumerism, it is only natural that those who have it, flaunt it.

A shopping basket being flaunted.

And so here you can see this chap, like a child with a new umbrella, he has not put the basket to its proper use and is instead spinning it nonchalantly, while he holds his soon to be purchased toothpaste and bag of three onions in his other hand.

Not only is this a hazard when standing behind him, the real obstacle to my queuing experience occurs when he decides to leave the basket on the floor of the queuing area.

Basket left in queuing area

As you can imagine, I found myself in the uncomfortable position of wondering whether I should just step around the basket as if it was a normal occurrence, or, bring attention to this faux-pas by moving the basket myself to its correct position under the conveyor belt.

Luckily for both of us, after a few hesitant moments the basket was snatched up by a small girl sent in to the queuing area by her older sister, who was standing nearby with her arms laden with bread, powdered milk and cassava.

66 Responses to “Nakumatt Supermarket, Mombasa, Kenya”

  1. John Maina Says:

    I have been shoping with Nakumatt ,i can assure you that your service are up to standard ,besides i enjoys every single moment i am shopping in your store because your product are displayed attractively .
    By the way this has given me a keen interest to work with your company . could you please advice me on how to apply for an account vacancy
    kind regards and thanks in advance
    Yours Sincerely
    John Maina

  2. punit Says:

    dear sir,
    we are the sea food export pvt ltd company,in india.
    we wont to supply fish & fishries product to your estim suparmarket,so please send me details to us


  3. I worked with Uchumi supermarket for about two yrs as acashier,and now Ihave an intreast of joinning you us acashier.please reply if at all there is any vacancy, Iwill appreciate.
    Thanks
    victor.

  4. Gary Wood Says:

    I still love to queue

  5. Lily Werre Says:

    Dear Sir/ Madam,

    i would like to submit my applicant to your company,please could you advice me on how to apply for vacancy there.

    Kind regards and thank you in advance,

    Yours faithfully,

    Lily Werre.

  6. William Deed Says:

    Disclaimer:

    I regret to inform readers that Standinaqueue does not accept applications for future employment at Nakumatt.

    Please refer to their website for full employment opportunities:
    http://www.nakumatt.net/

  7. William Deed Says:

    Do you have any previous experience?

  8. Gary Wood Says:

    I have all the experience I need, why are you being so pushy?

    Don’t you trust me?

    I’ll work for time in a queue. I’m patient, really patient.

    HURRY UP and give me a job.

  9. William Deed Says:

    You’re already fired.

  10. Gary Wood Says:

    I sueing for sexual embarrassment.


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  12. esther miracho Says:

    i would like to apply for a job vacancy as a retail sale positon in any Nakumatt around nairobi. am available as soon as it’s found. thenk you.

  13. Charles Says:

    Hey there Esther, Remember me…Its Charles. Anyway, Look for me…Unaweza pata Job

  14. peter olingo Says:

    congratulations for your outstanding and dynamic performance in serving the diverse needs of your satisfied clients.I am a fresh graduate(accounting/mathematics) who would like to input vibrant energy into your organization if given the chance. I will appreciate a forum to discuss my suitability.thanks

  15. Chris Says:

    Peter Olingo, email me with your qualifications.
    ckirika@hotmail.com

  16. Nic Says:

    I went to the one in mombasa, it’s a special place. there were no queues when i went though – did i miss out?

  17. Nyakundi Says:

    Hi. Am a final year student in the department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering in the University of Nairobi. My wish has been to work with Nakumatt Supermarket. Please give me a chance to offer my service with you. I will appreciate.
    Call me on +254720380226.

  18. MAKAU T.M. Says:

    I’M A FINALIST IN EGERTON UNI. TAKING BA ECON. STATISTICS. LOOKING FOR A JOB IN ANY NAKUMATT S/MKT CHAIN.

  19. John Kimutai Cheruiyot Says:

    I am a graduate from Kenyatta University holding a Degree in B.A(Economics and Business Studies) and attained 2nd class honours( Upper Division) and CPA 1. I am looking for a job in your organisation and eagerly waiting for a reply.

  20. alex kesis Says:

    I am a graduate from Kenyatta University holding a Degree in B.A(Economics and Business Studies) and attained 2nd class honours( Upper Division) and CPA 1. I am looking for a job in your organisation and eagerly waiting for a reply.

  21. Kamugisha Ambrose Says:

    Reference is made to the Advertisement made in African Woman, A ugandan Magazine.

    I would like to kindly request you to consider me when you open in Uganda as i am looking for a job. I herewith submit my email address for further communication.

    kamugishaambrose@yahoo.com.I will be glad if you get back to me with an address where i can send my CV.

    Thanking you and looking forward to hearing from you.

    Regards,
    Ambrose

  22. kipster Says:

    My Kenyan peoples, this is not a job site. If you are applying for work here, you are too dumb to work anywhere.

    Great blog, just added it to my feed list.

  23. george o.omollo Says:

    hey nakumatt give me any job at any branch in mombasa

  24. janet nyamai Says:

    Am from mombasa and am looking for a job in your organisation .Have done nine computer packages and cisco.Am waiting for your reply.thanks.

  25. kimanthi Says:

    i live in NGONG WISHING FOR A VACCANT AT ANY OF YOU BRANCHERS AROUND NGONG ROAD

  26. Rev. silla onyango Says:

    This is my supermarket since i was in the school and all my shopping and household goods i buy from the supermarket.I prefer it because the service is efficient, quality is guranteed and workers are friendly.

  27. judy Says:

    HI SIR,
    AM AGED 24 YRS OLD AND SINCE LONG AGO I WISHED TO WORK WITH NAKUMATT SUPERMARKET SINCE I LIKE TO WORK IN AFASTEST GROWING ORGANISATION.AM ADIPLOMA HOLDER IN SALES AND MARKETING CURRENTLY WORKING ON CONTRACT WITH CFC GROUP WHICH IS GOING TO AN END THIS MONTH SO I HEREBY WISH TO APPLY FOR AJOB IN YOUR ORGANISATION.I CAN WORK ANY WHERE THANKS.GET IN TOUCH 0720020830

  28. maurice chege Says:

    I am a good customer at one of your branch in Nairobi and I would like to commend the entire of Nakumatt a job well done.

  29. BERNARD KUHUNYA Says:

    I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE WITH CERTIFICATE IN PHARMACY
    AND I AM TRUST WORTHY ,HARDER WORKER AND DYNAMIC
    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR NAY VACANCY IN ANY OF YOUR GROUP OF SUPERMAKETS AND I WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BY WORKING HARD. MY EMAIL IS benkuhunya@yahoo.com

  30. BERNARD KUHUNYA Says:

    I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE WITH CERTIFICATE IN PHARMACY
    AND I AM TRUST WORTHY ,HARD WORKER AND DYNAMIC
    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR ANY VACANCY IN ANY OF YOUR GROUP OF SUPERMAKETS AND I WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS BY WORKING HARD. MY EMAIL IS benkuhunya@yahoo.com PHONE 0723478742

  31. BERNARD KUHUNYA Says:

    I HOLD CERTIFICATE IN PHARMACY
    AND I AM TRUST WORTHY ,HARD WORKER AND DYNAMIC
    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR ANY VACANCY IN ANY OF YOUR GROUP OF SUPERMAKETS AND I WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS BY WORKING HARD. MY EMAIL IS benkuhunya@yahoo.com PHONE 0723478742

  32. Abdi Says:

    I would like to know the prices of Side-by-side refrigerator doors with a slide-out freezer below with water and gas cookers. Please email me back with your prices. do you deliver to my family if I pay from United states.


  33. am a kenyan citizen of age 24 currently working as a chef at kenchic. I have underwent basic sales and marketing training, I am well versed with computer usage, I am also a driver by profession. with those few words i therefore request for any vacant position in your company that can fit me.
    thanks in advance.

  34. Rehana Says:

    Hi Will,

    It might be a good idea if you’d enable comment moderation. :) Then you would NOT be having all these people applying to Nakumatt via your blog. :) Which is sorta hilarious, btw! I shop at Nakumatt, and frankly, I think you woke up on the wrong side of bed that day. :) I’ve never experienced the Indian crowd, the swaying baskets, and the hunting around for a basket to pop things into. :) Although the chaps at the check-out ARE a bit like snails!

  35. sarah Says:

    What has happened to stood in a queue? Have you started to take comission from Nakumatt as a recruitment agency?

    lol


  36. I like the quick services of Nakkumat supermarket and even all their products. GOOD LUCK in business.


  37. I am Kavutse Mucyo emmanuel, a student at KIST in food science and technology and I am an undergraduate promoted to the final year of a bacheror’s degree. I prefer so much the servises of Nakkumat .

  38. Scolastica Mwende Kalonzo Says:

    I am Scolastica Mwende Kalonzo aged 18 years happily married with 3 kids.I have a certificate in Secretarial Studies.I would like to apply for the position of Company Secretary with Nakumatt Holdings Ltd.I look forward to an interview appointment to showcase my suitability to this assignment.
    By the way why are trollies at Likoni branch outside the premise? shopping at Nakumatt is a nice experience…. Keep up!!!!

  39. Moses Tilito Says:

    Where can we apply for jobs in your organisation? Because there is a brunch oppening write out of my house and would not mind applying for a possition in your presigious organisation

  40. DAVEAKUMU Says:

    nyinyi wakenya jobo all over these is a blog site for giving an dcomplamenting nakummat on where they go wrong and where they go right in meeting customers satisfaction mmmmm dave 0735899934

  41. rubesh Says:

    iam rubesh from india . i have 2 years experience in india supermarket as a supervisor . if any vacanies ,pls message to my email id

  42. mulindwa Says:

    hi
    i viisted your malls in kenya and i would like to also to be a team player with you here in uganda kampla especially in customer care section what should i do?

  43. TAMAYA Says:

    Guys stop being silly go to human resource office and ask for an application.lol
    Chicago,IL

  44. HILLARY Says:

    I have degree in finnance and thinking that i can make a fantastic work in the chains

  45. Rashid Says:

    Hello,
    just writting frm ug.
    thanx for coming to ug finaly.
    was in kenya several times and used to do my shopping at the nakumatti hyper in mombasa.
    its a great place for shopping and would like to be part of your working team here in uganda.am good in electronics repairs,handlind,servicing and maintenances.
    welcome to ug finaly.

  46. Rashid Says:

    Hello,
    just writting frm ug.
    thanx for coming to ug finaly.
    was in kenya several times and used to do my shopping at the nakumatt hyper in mombasa.
    its a great place for shopping and would like to be part of your working team here in uganda.am good in electronics repairs,handlind,servicing and maintenances.
    welcome to ug finaly.

  47. migadde nassif Says:

    Hullo,
    i do do like your service so much because i have ever done some shoping at Nairobi and it was simply gogious.currently am in Uganda holding certificate in Basic management functions includind Basic customer care skill,am also holding certificate in Uganda Advanced certificate of Education,plus acertificate in mail/information.Lastly am very good as far as computer applications are concerned.Please i can work as supermarket attendant.We wellcome you Nakumatt

  48. hellen w Says:

    Glad you are coming to Uganda sooner than expected.i am Ugandan Holding bachelors degree in law and seeking to work with nakumatt. i pray that you make it a dream come true for me, i can readily do any job even if not legal can adjust to others like customer care or any other that will be available. karibuni Uganda nakummat tumewasubiri na tunawatakia kila laheri.hellena

  49. kasaija ronald Says:

    Hullo
    Am really glad that you guys have finally come to Uganda and for sure i have been there and your facilities are trully international. Am a form 6 vacist and iwas wondering if you have any vacancies left because i would rally love to work with you.
    Please do inform me on this. Thanks for your diuties.
    Kasaija Ronald

  50. daniel onyimbo Says:

    i would like to apply job for supermarket attendant.im a form fuor leave

  51. christopher Says:

    I have worked with Uchumi supermarket as attendant and I am looking for a job.

    yours faithfully,

    christopher Owiny

  52. ben Says:

    i’m very much interested on how you conduct your bussines,and would like to work with the nakumatt group’higher diploma holder in computer studies graduate.in any part of the country can iget ajob? contact 0725373829

  53. aron wilson olenja Says:

    DEAR SIR /MADAM
    I HOLD GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PROCUREMENT
    AND I AM TRUST WORTHY ,HARD WORKER AND DYNAMIC
    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR ANY VACANCY IN ANY OF YOUR GROUP OF SUPERMAKETS AND I WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS BY WORKING HARD. MY EMAIL IS wilsonolenja85@yahoo.com

  54. A. Z. W. Kuria Says:

    Dear sir/Madam,
    I would like to apply for a job in your supermarket and work with a minimum supervision if employed.

  55. JOSEPH KAMAU Says:

    I KINDLY APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR SUPERMARKET ATTENDANT JOB IN YOUR SUPERMARKET.I SAT FOR MY KCSE EXAMS IN 2006 AND ATTAINED A MEAN GRADE OF B- WITH AN A- IN BUSINESS STUDIES AND AN B IN ENGLISH.CONSEQUENTLY,IN 2009 I ATTAINED DISTINCTION IN COMPUTER APPLICATIONS.I’LL BE VERY GRATEFUL IF YOU OFFER ME A CHANCE TO WORK IN ANY OF YOUR CHAIN OF SUPERMARKETS.THANKS IN ADVANCE.

  56. JOSEPH KAMAU Says:

    I KINDLY APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR SUPERMARKET ATTENDANT JOB IN YOUR SUPERMARKET.I SAT FOR MY KCSE EXAMS IN 2006 AND ATTAINED A MEAN GRADE OF B- WITH AN A- IN BUSINESS STUDIES AND AN B IN ENGLISH.CONSEQUENTLY,IN 2009 I ATTAINED DISTINCTION IN COMPUTER APPLICATIONS.I’LL BE VERY GRATEFUL IF YOU OFFER ME A CHANCE TO WORK IN ANY OF YOUR CHAIN OF SUPERMARKETS.THANKS IN ADVANCE.
    kamauj52@yahoo.com
    0724594978

  57. JAMES N. NDUNGU Says:

    DEAR SIR /MADAM
    I HOLD DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER STUDIES FROM KENYA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
    AND I AM, HARDWORKING, TRUST WORTHY AND RESPONSIBLE.
    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR ANY VACANCY IN ANY OF YOUR GROUP OF SUPERMAKETS AND I WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS AND COMPETITIVE LEVEL BY WORKING HARD.
    MY EMAIL ADDRESS: jimmy.jnn57@yahoo.com


  58. DEAR SIR /MADAM
    I HOLD DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER STUDIES FROM KENYA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
    AND I AM, HARDWORKING, TRUST WORTHY AND RESPONSIBLE.
    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR ANY VACANCY IN ANY OF YOUR GROUP OF SUPERMAKETS AND I WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS AND COMPETITIVE LEVEL BY WORKING HARD. MY EMAIL ADDRESS: jimmy.jnn57@yahoo.com

  59. john khisa namaswa Says:

    I hereby apply for sales attendant in any branch of your chain. I obtained B+ at o-level
    plus a complete certificate in computer. I will
    be glad if my request to be in the right time.
    Thanks in-dance.

  60. Amos Guto Says:

    Im a kenyan aged 27, K.C.S.E. mean grade C-(Munus) with a diploma i Applied Biology. I stay in Nairobi. I wish to apply for any job in any of your branches. Thanks

  61. Enos Mugendi Says:

    Im a kenyan aged 27, K.C.S.E. mean grade C(Plain)With 3 years security skills. I stay in Nairobi. I wish to apply for any job in any of your branches. Thanks

  62. Gary Wood Says:

    I’m British, aged 26, skills include blowing bubbles.

    Could I forward on my CV?

  63. CAROL NJERI Says:

    AM A LADY AGED 29,AND WOULD LIKE TO WORK FOR YOU. AM SPECIALIZED IN CUSTOMER CARE AND ALSO HAVE EXPERINCE IN THE SAME.THANKS IN ADVANCE

  64. oloo paul Says:

    I have been organizing a marathon in Bunyore now in its 4th edition .I kindly request your asssistance interms of t-shirts and cash prices after last years request by the participants.This years winner will pocket 10,000,position two 9,000,position three 8,000 then in that order upto position ten for both men and women.As evidence I have a video for last years edition.Waiting to hear from you soon.

  65. STEPHEN OTIENO Says:

    Im a boy aged 20years based in Mombasa & would like to work with you as a product promoter or any assistance in to keep the elephant ahead.


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