Sarit Center has grown from an ambitious shopping mall that opened in Westlands in 1983 with just two tenants into one of Nairobi’s best-known mixed-use commercial complexes.
Over more than four decades, the development has expanded its retail space, introduced offices and entertainment facilities, and added a major exhibition and conference center.
Today, the complex combines shopping, dining, business, entertainment, events and public spaces, while its successive expansions have significantly changed both its size and physical design.
From a Two-Tenant Mall to a Westlands Landmark
Construction of Sarit Center began in 1981, with the development inspired partly by London’s Brent Cross Shopping Center. The project was conceived by businessmen Sobhagayach and Vidhu Shah and Maneklal Rughani, who had business interests including Text Book Center.
Currently, Sarit Nitin Shah is the CEO, with Atul Shah overseeing finance and Mansur Kasmani handling operations.
The development faced a major setback during the political uncertainty surrounding Kenya’s attempted coup in 1982. Businesses that had initially committed to space withdrew, leaving Sarit Center to open on April 27, 1983, with only Uchumi Supermarket and Textbook Center as tenants.
Customers became familiar with the enclosed shopping-center concept.
The complex attracted more retailers and service businesses over time, filling its available space. By the mid-1980s, Sarit had established itself as a major shopping point in Nairobi.
The first phase provided about 200,000 square feet of space, while the development later expanded through additional phases. Sarit’s management described the first two phases as having created approximately 360,000 square feet of built-up space.
Expansion Changed the Building’s Structure
As Nairobi’s retail market developed, the owners progressively added facilities intended to keep visitors at the complex for longer periods.
The second phase introduced features including a cinema, food court, gym and exhibition facilities. The exhibition component became an important part of the center’s business model, allowing Sarit to host consumer shows, trade exhibitions and corporate events alongside normal retail activity.
Its largest transformation came with Phase III, which added 600,000 square feet of built-up space, taking the entire development to more than 1.1 million square feet. The expansion introduced additional retail areas, entertainment facilities, restaurants, parking, and event infrastructure.
The physical design also incorporated a 10-storey parking structure with 950 spaces, allowing the complex to accommodate more visitors without using all its prime development land for surface parking.
Sarit also added a rooftop garden measuring 30,000 square feet, with food and beverage outlets, a water feature and 110 indigenous trees.
Sarit Expo Center and the Modern Complex
Sarit Expo Center turned the development into more than a shopping destination. The facility has approximately 3,300 square meters of column-free exhibition space. Its combined halls can accommodate up to 5,500 people in theatre-style seating, while the venue can also be configured for banquets and exhibition booths.
The Expo Center includes exhibition halls, meeting rooms, exhibitor offices, green-room facilities, kitchens and outdoor event space.
This allows conferences, trade fairs, product launches, corporate functions and exhibitions to operate within the wider shopping complex.
The development now accommodates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, financial and professional services, health-related businesses and event facilities.
Sarit describes this model as “a City within a City,” reflecting the shift from a traditional shopping centre to a mixed-use complex in one location.
Sarit Center Conference and Event Rates
Sarit Expo Center offers conference packages starting at KSh2,000 per person. The Bronze package includes tea, while the silver package costs KSh4,500 and includes tea and lunch. Gold package costs KSh5,000 and provides two teas and lunch, while the premium Ruby package is priced at KSh6,000 and includes a three-course menu, AV technology with a screen, a dressed stage and podium, and dressed banquet tables and chairs.
(NOTE: These charges periodically change and are only valid at the time of publication).
The packages also include essentials such as notepads and pens, bottled water, flip charts or whiteboards, complimentary Wi-Fi and technical assistance.
Customers looking to book conference rooms, exhibition halls or organise events at Sarit Expo Centre can contact the venue on +254 709 501 000 or events@saritexpo.com and also its website. For general Sarit Center inquiries, customers can contact +254 111 040 600 or info@saritcentre.com
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