In 2025, Kenyan shoppers are spoiled for choice with top-tier supermarkets competing for customer loyalty. Carrefour and Naivas, the two retail giants, are constantly upgrading their offers, discounts, and customer experience. But which one truly gives you more value for your money?
This detailed comparison of Carrefour vs Naivas covers pricing, loyalty programs, product variety, store experience, and more — to help you make an informed shopping decision.
1. Pricing: Who Has Cheaper Groceries?
Pricing remains the number one concern for most shoppers. In our market sample of over 50 common household items, here’s what we found:
- Carrefour often has lower prices on imported items, electronics, and personal care products.
- Naivas, however, offers better deals on fresh produce, dry foods, and locally manufactured items.
For instance, in April 2025:
- 2kg maize flour:
- Naivas: KSh 175
- Carrefour: KSh 185
- 1L cooking oil (Fresh Fri):
- Naivas: KSh 390
- Carrefour: KSh 405
Winner: Naivas for daily essentials, Carrefour for international and high-end brands.
2. Weekly & Monthly Offers
Both retailers push aggressive marketing with sales, but how do they stack up?
- Carrefour runs consistent “Big Deal Weeks” and exclusive app-only offers.
- Naivas counters with “Discount Weekends” and unbeatable bundle deals like “Buy 3 Pay for 2.”
While Carrefour’s deals are well-curated on the MAF Carrefour app, Naivas’ flyers offer broader discounts across the store.
Winner: Tie, depending on what you’re shopping for.
3. Loyalty Programs Compared
Loyalty is rewarded — and both chains know it.
- Carrefour MyCLUB: Points for every shilling spent, redeemable for discounts or vouchers.
- Naivas Rewards: A card-based system that provides instant cashback and seasonal bonus points.
In terms of flexibility and digital access, Carrefour’s app-based MyCLUB program is more user-friendly, especially for online shoppers.
Winner: Carrefour for app-based shopping and easy redemptions.
4. In-Store Experience
Shoppers are not just looking for good prices — convenience and comfort matter too.
- Carrefour stores, especially at Westgate and Two Rivers, offer spacious aisles, digital kiosks, and quick checkouts.
- Naivas, however, wins on accessibility with over 100 outlets across Kenya, including smaller towns and estates.
Carrefour stores are more modern, but Naivas stores are more widespread and community-centric.
Winner: Naivas for accessibility, Carrefour for premium shopping environments.
5. Online Shopping & Delivery
E-commerce continues to grow, and both chains have embraced it.
- Carrefour Kenya App offers same-day delivery in Nairobi and Mombasa with real-time stock updates.
- Naivas uses Glovo and Jumia partnerships for delivery, though item tracking can be hit-or-miss.
Carrefour also supports pre-ordering large items like electronics or appliances via the app.
Winner: Carrefour for digital ordering and delivery reliability.
6. Product Variety
- Carrefour excels in global brands, gourmet items, and international foods.
- Naivas stocks a better variety of Kenyan-made products and local brands.
If you’re hunting for quinoa, almond milk, or French cheese — Carrefour is your go-to. For Sukuma wiki, unga, and Kenyan tea — Naivas wins hands down.
Winner: Depends on your basket — international (Carrefour), local (Naivas).
7. Specialty Services & Departments
Both offer bakeries, butcheries, and delis — but with slight differences.
- Carrefour has an edge with its gourmet cheese and wine sections.
- Naivas is better for ready-to-eat local meals and traditional snacks like samosas and chapatis.
Both provide phone shops, bill payment desks, and electronics sections.
Winner: Tie, based on shopper preference.
8. Customer Service
Customer experience is another important consideration:
- Naivas is praised for friendly, familiar staff.
- Carrefour scores high for professionalism and digital checkout efficiency.
Customer complaints are addressed faster on Carrefour’s mobile platforms, while Naivas relies more on in-store managers.
Winner: Carrefour, slightly, for responsiveness.
9. Branch Network and Expansion
As of June 2025:
- Naivas operates over 103 stores nationwide.
- Carrefour has 26 branches, mostly in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Naivas is winning in expansion — including smaller, underserved towns.
Winner: Naivas for national coverage.
10. Sustainability & Community Involvement
Both retailers are increasingly going green.
- Naivas supports local farming cooperatives and plastic reduction campaigns.
- Carrefour promotes reusable bags and energy-efficient operations.
Winner: Tie, as both are improving their CSR footprints.
Final Verdict: Carrefour vs Naivas — Who Wins?
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Pricing (Local) | Naivas |
| Pricing (Imported) | Carrefour |
| Offers & Promotions | Tie |
| Loyalty Programs | Carrefour |
| In-Store Experience | Tie |
| Online Shopping | Carrefour |
| Product Variety | Tie |
| Customer Service | Carrefour |
| Branch Network | Naivas |
| Community Impact | Tie |
In summary, Naivas is the better choice for everyday Kenyan shoppers, while Carrefour excels in tech-driven shopping, global brands, and premium services.
Conclusion
When it comes to Carrefour vs Naivas, your best option depends on your priorities — price, convenience, quality, or tech features. Fortunately, both are stepping up their game in 2025 to offer better value, wider reach, and improved shopping experiences.
Whether you’re shopping for unga or imported olives, Kenya’s supermarket scene has never been more competitive — and that’s great news for consumers.