Text Book Centre opens 15th branch at Eldoret’s Rupa Mall

Established in 1964 by founders S. V. Shah and M. J. Rughani, TBC has grown from two small bookshops in Murang’a and Nyeri to a national retail chain headquartered on Kijabe Street, Nairobi. The company currently operates physical outlets across major towns alongside an e-commerce platform.

While known primarily for books, TBC now stocks a wider range of educational and creative materials including stationery, art supplies, and technology accessories. The retail expansion comes at a time when education continues to dominate national expenditure, with the sector allocated KSh702.7 billion in the 2024/25 budget.

Speaking during the launch, TBC CEO Sachin Varma said Eldoret was a strategic choice due to its growing population of learners and professionals. “The opening of our Rupa Mall branch marks a new step in bringing our products closer to communities across Kenya,” he said.

Uasin Gishu County Attorney Sylvester Metto welcomed the investment, noting its potential to support schools and creative activities in the region.

“Access to quality educational resources is key to building a knowledge-driven county,” he said.

The new branch will serve students, educators, universities, and families with a mix of books, stationery, art materials, office supplies, and tech accessories. TBC says the outlet is designed to provide a modern retail environment while supporting the county’s education and creative economy.

The company, now marking over six decades in operation, continues to position its stores as spaces for learning, reading, and community engagement.