Residents of Nakuru have expressed their shock after Uchumi Supermarket closed its branch in the town.
Reacting to the decision to close the chain, the residents said the move would impact negatively on Nakuru County's economy since the supermarket was a major employer.
"What will become of their employees? It is quite unfortunate," said Sammy Mwangi.
Janet Akinyi who was an employee in the shop said she was shocked by the decision that came so abruptly.
"I never expected that it would be closed so fast. I never expected it because to me business was doing just fine.I don't know what will become of me," she added.
Jonathan Kinyua who confessed to preferring the shop said the sudden closure had scared him.
On Monday, Uchumi chief executive Julius Kipng'etich announced the closure of its five branches saying the move was aimed at reducing operational costs.
Among the branches closed included Nakuru, Eldoret sugarland, Embu, Kisii and Uchumi Taj Mall Nairobi.
The decision also rendered another 253 employees jobless.