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BATA
Few companies can match the rich heritage and global influence of the Bata Corporation. Founded on September 21, 1894, in Zlín, then part of Austria-Hungary (now the Czech Republic), by siblings Tomas, Antonin, and Anna Bata, this family-run business has blossomed into a multinational leader in footwear, apparel, and fashion accessories.
Starting with just 10 employees, the company quickly innovated, particularly when Tomas Bata shifted from leather to canvas shoes in 1895 to overcome financial hurdles. This strategic move not only saved the company but also catalysed its growth, expanding its workforce and setting the stage for its future as a global giant.
Today, Bata stands as one of the world’s leading shoemakers, selling an impressive 150 million pairs of shoes annually. Its retail reach spans over 5,300 stores in more than 70 countries across five continents. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Bata operates 21 production facilities in 18 countries and employs over 32,000 people worldwide.
Bata’s Kenyan journey began in 1939 with the opening of its first stores in Nairobi and Mombasa. By 1939, Bata had expanded to 16 stores and established the Bata Shoe Company in Nairobi. The construction of a footwear factory in Mombasa that same year marked a significant milestone, though production soon shifted to Limuru in 1942. This Limuru facility became the headquarters for Bata’s operations in British East Africa (modern-day Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania) and saw its workforce grow to 1,400 employees by 1946. Despite challenges in the 1960s and 1970s, including government intervention that affected its store network, Bata persevered, rebranding as Bata Shoe Company (Kenya) in 1978.
Entering the 1990s, Bata’s Kenyan operations included the main production facility in Limuru, a shipping department in Mombasa, and a branch factory in Voi.
Currently, Bata’s influence in Kenya is profound and far-reaching. Selling over 30 million pairs of shoes annually and employing more than 2,000 people, Bata is a major player in the country’s footwear industry. Its extensive product range goes beyond shoes to include socks, insoles, handbags, school and travel bags, belts, and shoe care products, reflecting its evolution into a comprehensive lifestyle brand.
There is a lot more to Bata than meets the eye. Bata not only offers the best school shoes under the iconic Toughees brand – a claim supported by generations of satisfied customers, but also features the most contemporary and on-trend collections for ladies, designed in Italy and retailed under the Bata Red label. For kids, Bata’s Bubblegummers range includes unique lighted and scented shoe options.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a paradise in Bata’s Weinbrenner range, which delivers the latest technology, comfort, and sturdiness at an accessible price, and an ideal companion in the rugged Safari Boot, celebrated for its resilience and suitability across Kenya’s diverse terrains. Additionally, the new products under the Power brand (fitness and training collections) and Northstar (lifestyle casuals for the young) are quickly becoming the go-to kicks for influencers and global Kenyans alike.
Bata’s noteworthy commitment to affordability and quality is evident through its frequent promotions and offers, which make high-quality footwear accessible to a broad customer base. This blend of innovation, enduring quality, and customer-focused affordability has cemented Bata’s reputation as a beloved and dependable brand in Kenya.
With over 120 retail outlets nationwide and plans to add seven new stores by the end of the year, Bata continues to enhance its presence and accessibility across the country. Under the dynamic and transformative leadership of Benson Okumu, Managing Director (MD), Bata has invested over KES 400 million in recent years to strengthen its operations in Kenya. This significant investment has been directed towards upgrading its state-of-the-art Limuru facility, renovating existing stores, and opening new retail locations.
Additionally, the company is exploring domestic franchising opportunities to further expand its footprint. Okumu’s visionary leadership was highlighted during the recent reopening of the Bata Hilton store in Nairobi, where he underscored the company’s ongoing dedication to investing back into Kenya.
Bata’s commitment to responsible business practices was recognised on October 6, 2023, when Bata Kenya won the top award in the ‘Responsible Business Conduct’ category at the fourth Employer of the Year Awards gala, organised by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). This accolade followed a rigorous selection process involving virtual surveys and onsite inspections, acknowledging Bata’s exemplary organisational leadership and ethical business practices.
With over 14 years of distinguished service in key leadership roles at Bata in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including South Africa and Zambia, Benson Okumu stands out as a seasoned executive and a business turnaround artist. Bolstered by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, Okumu is exceptionally well-equipped to steer Bata Kenya towards continued success. His proven track record, coupled with his strategic vision and unwavering commitment, ensures he will lead with grace, purpose, and a clear sense of direction.
Throughout its impressive history, Bata has demonstrated a consistent ability to adapt and thrive. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global powerhouse, Bata’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and enduring success.
