Muthokinju opens 60th branch as construction sector rebounds

Content creators Milly Kabi and Peter Kabi of WaJesus Family at the launch of Muthokinju Paints & Cement branch in Thindigua, KiambuMuthokinju Paints & Cement has opened its 60th branch in Thindigua, Kiambu County, extending its nationwide footprint as Kenya’s construction industry recovers from a slowdown.

The milestone marks three decades of growth for the locally established retailer, which started operations in 1995.

It has evolved into one of the country’s leading distributors of paints, cement, waterproofing solutions and paint accessories.

The expansion comes against the backdrop of a strong recovery in construction activity, which grew by 6.8 per cent in 2025, reversing a 0.7 per cent contraction recorded in 2024, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

Cement consumption, a key indicator of construction activity, increased by 20.3 per cent to 10.28 million tonnes in 2025, from 8.54 million tonnes the previous year.

Increased civil works, residential housing developments and infrastructure investment, creating opportunities for suppliers of construction and finishing materials, have supported the recovery.

Muthokinju’s expansion reflects the growing importance of organised building-materials distribution in a market where homeowners, contractors and construction professionals increasingly seek convenience, product variety and reliable supply.

Founded by business couple Barnabas Njuguna and Susan Muthoni Kimani, the company has built its presence through an expanding retail network, supplying products from manufacturers including Crown Paints, Jotun, Plascon and Bamburi Cement.

Its one-stop-shop model brings different construction and home-improvement products under one roof, targeting individual homeowners, professional painters, contractors and hardware businesses.

The latest outlet also reinforces the company’s strategy of taking products closer to customers rather than relying exclusively on traditional hardware distribution channels.

To commemorate the opening, Muthokinju unveiled JENGAFEST, its end-of-year customer rewards campaign, which will run until January 30, 2027.

The promotion features weekly and monthly rewards, with grand prizes including motorbikes.

Customers can participate through purchases at any of the company’s branches, subject to the campaign’s terms and conditions.