Text Book Centre, one of East and Central Africa’s most established distributors of educational, cultural and technological products, has opened its 15th branch at Rupa Mall in Eldoret. The expansion strengthens the company’s national retail network and positions it strategically within one of Kenya’s fastest-growing education and enterprise hubs.
Founded in 1964 by S. V. Shah and M. J. Rughani, the company began as a partnership between two independent bookshops in Fort Hall and Nyeri. By 1965, the partners established headquarters on Kijabe Street, where the business still operates today. Six decades later, Text Book Centre has grown into a modern retail organisation with a national footprint, an expanded product catalogue, and a robust e-commerce platform that serves customers far beyond its physical branches.
The Eldoret branch launch comes at a time when Kenya’s education sector is undergoing significant transformation. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the sector received 702.7 billion shillings, representing 28 percent of the national budget. The Teacher Service Commission received the largest allocation at 387.2 billion, reflecting the country’s long-term commitment to learning outcomes. Additionally, the transition of Grade 10 learners in 2026 marks a major milestone in the Competency Based Curriculum journey, creating heightened demand for learning materials, creative tools, and technology products.
Sachin Varma, CEO of Text Book Centre, described the new branch as a strategic investment in a region that continues to expand its influence in education, business, and culture. He said that Eldoret’s rapid growth makes it a key market for the company, and that the Rupa Mall branch will bring high quality learning materials, stationery and creative supplies closer to customers across Uasin Gishu County.
The launch was also welcomed by the county leadership. Uasin Gishu County Attorney, Sylvester Metto, noted that the branch represents more than retail expansion. He said it is an investment in learners, teachers and the broader creative community. He added that access to quality educational resources is central to the county’s goal of building a knowledge-driven economy and that the county looks forward to working with Text Book Centre to promote literacy and innovation.
The new branch features a modern retail layout designed to serve schools, universities, professionals and families. It stocks a wide range of books, stationery, art supplies, office essentials, tech accessories and gifts. Through this expansion, Text Book Centre reinforces its position as a trusted partner in Kenya’s learning and creative economy and builds on its 60-year legacy as a homegrown brand that has supported generations of readers and innovators.
Over the years, bookstores have evolved from simple retail outlets to cultural and creative hubs. Text Book Centre continues to embrace this shift by creating spaces where knowledge is accessed, created and shared. The company envisions the modern bookstore as a place where students can meet authors, where ideas come alive and where imagination is nurtured. The new Eldoret branch strengthens that vision and extends it to a growing urban centre shaping the next generation of Kenyan thinkers.
