‘We are in business, just a normal maintenance shut down’: Bata Shoe Kenya clarifies

Bata Shoe Kenya has come out to rubbish reports making waves online that it is closing shop in the country after decades in the business.

The company, in a statement released through its Managing Director Benson Okumu on Saturday, maintains that it is going nowhere just yet.

The family-owned business however stated that it is merely embarking on what it intimated to be a routine yearly break during perceived low seasons.

“Dear esteemed customer and business partner, we are in business! We are on a normal annual maintenance shut down, normally provided for during off peak  season,” stated Mr. Okumu.

“Bata Shoe Kenya PLC, based in Limuru, has been operating since 1939. It is the leading footwear company in Kenya with a widespread network of over 150 stores and a Bata world-class factory. We are a heritage business, strategic in operations for robust commercial output, thus seasonal breaks in production are within scope.”

Mr. Okumu further added that, even so, Bata stores countrywide will still remain open to the public and service will remain uninterrupted.

“All our stores are open and functional with great teams to serve you and a wide variety of shoes in ample stocks to deliver for our promise — to provide quality footwear for all. We value your business — look out for the great offers,” noted the MD.