City Affairs

Eastleigh's BBS Mall has transformed Kenya's retail scene, says Somalia envoy

Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle (C), takes a guided tour of the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on February 19, 2024. (Photo: X/ Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

By Amina Wako | Monday, February 19, 2024

The mall, spanning an impressive 130,000 square metres, is one of the largest in East Africa.

The new BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, is a show of good business sense and has revamped the country's retail scene, Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, said on his tour of the building on Sunday.

"I had the honour of touring the BBS Mall, and I'm still in awe," he said. "The management graciously welcomed us and showcased the epitome of modernity and luxury right in the heart of Eastleigh. Congratulations to Moalim Wali, the visionary chairman, for not only building a mall but also transforming Kenya's retail scene."

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Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle (R), waves at business people and shoppers during his tour of the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on February 19, 2024. (Photo: X/ Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

The ambassador said he "couldn't help but marvel at the "sleek design and upscale atmosphere, reminiscent of malls in Europe and the Middle East".

"It was heartwarming to witness thousands of delighted customers and retailers immersing themselves in this unparalleled shopping experience," he said.

Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle (R), tours the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on February 19, 2024. (Photo: X/ Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

He highlighted the upcoming Gold Souk, set to be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, as a major attraction for shoppers in the region.

"Even before its official opening, the mall is already buzzing with activity, with eager shoppers flocking in and hundreds of retailers gearing up to welcome them," Jabril observed.

BBS management said the visit showed "the mall's commitment to fostering international business connections".

The mall, spanning an impressive 130,000 square metres, is one of the largest in East Africa.

Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, walks by a phone shop at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, during his tour on February 19, 2024. (Photo: X/ Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

Eastleigh, known for its bustling trading hub, now has a grand and clean feel with the BBS Mall, which houses international brands such as Giordano, Linton's Beauty World, Pizza Hut, Galito's, and Artcaffe.

It has more than 10 banks, more than 20 restaurants, 1,500 parking slots, hospitals, cinema halls, and various retail outlets.

Notably, it is the only mall in Kenya with that many parking slots, ample security, and a 24-hour water and electricity supply, backed up by high-tech generators.