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Hypermarket TrafficInternational ChainsNational ChainsHome & LifestylePremium Dining & Lifestyle

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Budget BrandsUltra-Luxury Positioning

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The Hub Karen is a mixed-use lifestyle center located in the affluent Karen suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, spanning 20 acres with a phase one gross lettable area of 35,000 square meters, excluding parking. Opened in February 2016, it features over 85 retail stores, including anchor tenant Carrefour hypermarket, the first in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside international brands like Adidas, Reebok, and Bossini, and local retailers offering fashion, electronics, accessories, and footwear.

The tenant mix emphasizes diversity with high representation in food and beverage, entertainment, and services such as banks, medical units, and wellness centers. It supports small businesses and hosts community events like markets and cultural exhibitions.

Market position in Nairobi's retail sector is strong, with Karen sub-market recording average rental yields of 9.5% in H1 2021, outperforming the overall 7.6% average, driven by affluent demographics and low competitor density (2-3 malls per area). Footfall averages 55,000 visitors weekly, benefiting from high accessibility via Dagoretti Road and proximity to main roads.

Leasing advantages include stable occupancy rates above market averages, supported by operational features like a 450KW solar power plant for sustainability, and a focus on experiential retail that attracts upper-middle-class families and expatriates. However, broader Nairobi retail faces challenges like 3.1 million square feet oversupply and economic pressures reducing purchasing power. The Hub's integration of retail with offices and leisure enhances dwell time, potentially increasing sales per square foot compared to traditional malls.

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Hours of Operation

Hours

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Monday08:00 AM — 11:00 PM
Tuesday08:00 AM — 11:00 PM
Wednesday08:00 AM — 11:00 PM
Thursday08:00 AM — 11:00 PM
Friday08:00 AM — 12:00 AM
Saturday08:00 AM — 12:00 AM
Sunday08:00 AM — 11:00 PM
Holiday Hours

Hours may vary on public holidays. Check with individual stores for specific holiday schedules.

Dagoretti Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Insights

Demographics and Footfall

The Hub Karen serves an affluent demographic in Karen, characterized by upper-middle-class residents, families, and expatriates, with a focus on lifestyle and community-oriented shopping. Weekly footfall of approximately 55,000 visitors reflects strong draw from local and regional consumers, supported by family entertainment options like The Hub Park indoor center and activities such as ziplining. This demographic profile contributes to higher spending potential, with Karen's retail sector benefiting from a growing middle class in Nairobi, though economic challenges like inflation may impact discretionary spending. Data from retail reports indicate Karen's sub-market maintains robust performance metrics amid Nairobi's competitive landscape.

Competition and Accessibility

Competition in Karen includes Galleria Mall, but overall density remains low at 2-3 malls per area, allowing The Hub to capture significant market share through its diverse tenant mix and experiential offerings. Accessibility is high, with direct links to Dagoretti Road and Karen Roundabout, facilitating easy vehicle and public transport access, and ample parking exceeding one space per tenancy. Nairobi's retail market shows saturation in central areas with 3.1 million square feet oversupply, but Karen's suburban appeal mitigates this, with yields at 9.5%. Potential risks include regional economic downturns affecting footfall, yet the mall's community initiatives enhance loyalty and resilience against broader competition from online retail shifts.

Lease Terms and Operational Risks

Rental levels average KSh 500 per square meter, with lease periods of 5 years plus, reflecting premium positioning in a high-yield sub-market of 9.5%. Occupancy is strong, aligned with Karen's above-average rates, supported by anchor tenants driving traffic. Operational quality includes sustainable features like solar power and mixed-use integration for diversified revenue. Challenges encompass aging infrastructure risks in older Nairobi developments, though The Hub's recent build mitigates this; market saturation and competition from new entrants like Two Rivers Mall pose uptake risks. Economic factors, including rising construction costs and diminishing purchasing power, could pressure rent negotiations, advising lessees to evaluate footfall metrics and category performance for category-specific viability.

Building Details

Property Type
Mixed-Use
Gross Leasable Area
35,000
Year Built
2016
Parking Spaces
1200
Average Monthly Footfall
346,667
Owner
Azalea Holdings
Anchor Tenants
Carrefour, Decathlon, iHub Scapes

Detailed Market Analytics

Primary Catchment Area
Karen suburb, 5km radius
Secondary Catchment Area
Greater Nairobi southwest, 10-20km radius
Catchment area population
50,000 People
Population growth rate
4.0 %
Median age
32 Years
Household size
3.5 Persons per household
Education level (tertiary)
60.0 %

Median household income
150,000 KES per month
Unemployment rate
4.0 %
Cost of living index
55 Index (NY=100)

Retail spending per capita
50,000 KES per year
Spending on apparel
10,000 KES per capita per year
Spending on groceries
20,000 KES per capita per year
Spending on electronics
5,000 KES per capita per year

Annual foot traffic
4,160,000 Visitors
Dwell time
90 Minutes
Conversion rate
25.0 %
Sales per square meter
50,000 KES per year

Number of retail stores
85 Stores
Anchor tenant presence
Yes
Competitor density (same category)
Low (2-3) Malls per area
Tenant diversity
High
Unique Concepts
Village-style open-air design

Gross Leasable Area
35,000 sqm
Number of Levels
2 Levels
Average rent per square meter
1,500 KES per month
Vacancy rate
5.0 %
Lease term flexibility
Moderate
Available retail space
5,000 sqm

Proximity to main roads
High
Public transport access
Good
Parking spaces
1,200 Spaces
Pedestrian traffic
Moderate

E-commerce competition
High
Click-and-collect adoption
70.0 %
Internet penetration
85.0 %

Retail crime rate
2 Incidents per 1,000 visitors
Security measures
CCTV, guards, patrols

Promotional events
Frequent
Loyalty program penetration
40.0 %
Digital signage presence
Yes

Projected foot traffic growth
5.0 %
New tenant pipeline
Yes
Mall expansion plans
Phase 2 completed (hotel, additional space)
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