Nakumatt branch in Dar es Salaam. Photo/business daily
Nakumatt's Mlimani City store in Dar es Salaam was on Monday closed for failing to pay rent.
The Kenyan retail chain has not paid rents to Mlimani Holding Ltd for three months, according to Mlimani City general manager Mr Pastory Mrosso.
“In three months, Nakumatt should have paid a total of Sh300 million (Sh13.8 million) but it has not yet done so,” Mr Mrosso told The Citizen on telephone on Monday.
Mrosso added that the chain had been operating below standards – with almost empty shelves - even as it enjoys privileges of being an anchor tenant in Dar es Salaam’s most popular mall.
“As anchor tenant, Nakumatt enjoys some privileges including lower rents because such occupants are expected to attract visitors and benefit other business operators within the mall.
"However, they are operating below average…their shelves are almost empty and at the same time, they are not paying rents,” said Mr Mrosso.
This comes almost a month since senior government officials from Tanzania and Kenya agreed to work together to iron out Nakumatt’s challenges.