Kenya supermarket chain Nakumatt Holdings is set to open three new branches as part of its national expansion programme.

The opening of the new branches in Nanyuki, Kakamega and Eldoret respectively in the next two weeks will raise the chain's branches to 25 outlets in the East Africa Region.

Speaking over the weekend during the opening of Nakumatt Diani at the south coast, Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Atul Shah said the firm had invested more than Kshs 450million in developing the three ultramodern supermarkets and one hypermarket.

Shah further confirmed the scheduled opening of Nakumatt Nanyuki and Nakumatt Kakamega set for Wednesday and Thursday this week respectively.

Nakumatt Eldoret, the first hypermarket store in Eldoret is scheduled to formally open its doors early next week.

"Nakumatt Holdings national and indeed regional expansion drive remains a key priority on our operating strategy and the opening of the four branches in quick succession confirms our commitment to extend our footprint nationally," Shah said.

And added: "even as we await the conclusion of a financing arrangement with our potential private equity, partners, we have reached a decision due to popular demand to open the four branches as per the earlier promise to raise our network to 25 outlets before the close of the first quarter 2010."

Besides the four new branches, Nakumatt Holdings expects to further enhance its Nairobi region presence with the opening of two new hypermarkets on Kiambu Road and Lang'ata Road by August this year.