Hudson Kenya, part of Hudson Holdings, has officially opened its first Nike flagship store in Nairobi, introducing a new era of premium sports retail in the Kenyan market.
Located in central Nairobi, the store opened on 6th May 2026, is the first in Hudson’s portfolio to feature Nike’s latest concept format and is also the largest Nike store in its network, spanning over 500sqm of net selling space. The launch reinforces Hudson’s long-term commitment to expanding across Africa’s fast-growing consumer markets.
Hudson Kenya operates under Hudson Holdings, the official distributor of Nike across Africa. In fact, to further strengthen its presence on the continent, Hudson established an office in Kenya.
A World-Class Store Experience
The new Nike Nairobi flagship store is designed for a more immersive and personalised shopping experience. The store features the latest Nike performance, lifestyle, and training collections, reflecting the brand’s focus on innovation and athlete inspiration. The launch also highlights Nairobi’s growing importance within Nike’s retail strategy in Africa, with the city now home to one of the brand’s most advanced store formats in the region.
Eliud Kipchoge as Special Guest of Honour
The opening ceremony was powered by legendary marathoner, Nike brand ambassador and global sports icon Eliud Kipchoge, who served as guest of honour. Kipchoge, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time, is a multiple Olympic gold medallist and the first athlete to complete a marathon distance in under two hours in a non-competition setting. His long-standing partnership with Nike has made him a global symbol of excellence, discipline, and human potential.
Nairobi: A Growing Retail and Economic Hub
The flagship opening comes as Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s most dynamic cities. Kenya’s capital has a metropolitan population estimated at over 5 million people, making it one of East Africa’s largest urban centres.
Beyond its administrative role, Nairobi has evolved into a major regional hub for commerce, technology, and lifestyle retail. The city is increasingly recognised for its growing middle class, expanding mall culture, and rising demand for international brands.
Strategic Expansion Across Africa
Beyond Kenya, Hudson maintains direct operations through offices and retail stores in Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco. The company also serves multiple markets across the continent, distributing Nike alongside a portfolio of global brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Crocs, and Columbia. Through this network, Hudson reaches approximately 30 African countries.
About Hudson Holdings
Hudson Holdings is a leading multi-brand distributor and retail operator in Africa, partnering with globally recognised brands to deliver premium retail experiences across the continent.
