Carrefour Kenya has unveiled its latest self-checkout service at the Two Rivers Mall outlet, making it the twelfth store in Nairobi to offer the technology. The expansion of Carrefour’s self-checkout service marks another milestone in the retailer’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, customer convenience, and modern retail standards.
The new service is powered by an upgraded Android-based system designed to make shopping faster and easier. Customers can scan items themselves and complete transactions through an intuitive interface modeled after familiar smartphone layouts. Payments can be made using a variety of methods including mobile money, bank cards, Carrefour gift cards, or accumulated MyCLUB points. This flexibility ensures shoppers enjoy both speed and convenience, while also reducing waiting times at checkout counters.
Digital Transformation in Action
Carrefour has consistently invested in retail technology to meet the evolving expectations of modern consumers. The introduction of Carrefour’s Self-checkout service fits into a broader digital transformation strategy that includes the Carrefour mobile app, Scan&Go services, and Go Green e-receipts. Together, these innovations are designed to streamline the shopping experience, reduce operational bottlenecks, and provide customers with greater autonomy.
The self-checkout model is part of a global retail trend where automation is shaping how consumers interact with supermarkets. By reducing reliance on cashiers for routine purchases, Carrefour is freeing up its staff to focus more on customer service and product availability. For Nairobi’s busy urban shoppers, this means less time queuing and more time enjoying a personalized shopping experience.
A Proven Concept with Growing Momentum
When Carrefour first launched self-checkout in Kenya, Christoph Orcet, Regional Director for East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, emphasized its transformative potential.
“The introduction of self-checkout technology is not just about speed; it is about giving our customers the freedom to choose how they shop. This is a game-changer in Kenya’s retail space, where convenience and innovation are fast becoming the new benchmarks,” said Mr Orcet
That sentiment has since been validated by strong uptake across multiple Carrefour outlets. Today, with Two Rivers Mall joining the list, Carrefour is scaling up what has proven to be a successful, customer-friendly model. For shoppers who value efficiency, the ability to complete purchases independently and on their own terms represents a significant shift from traditional checkout systems.
Carrefour’s Self-Checkout Service Adoption Could Redefine Kenya’s Retail Sector
The expansion of Carrefour’s Self-checkout service at one of Nairobi’s most high-traffic shopping destinations signals a broader transformation of Kenya’s retail sector. As digital-first services gain momentum, supermarkets and retailers are being pushed to innovate or risk falling behind.
For consumers, self-checkout represents empowerment. It places control in their hands while minimizing friction in the shopping process. For Carrefour, it is an opportunity to reduce operational costs, optimize staff allocation, and boost overall customer satisfaction. For the industry at large, it raises the bar, encouraging competitors to adopt similar digital innovations.
Importantly, the service also aligns with Kenya’s growing embrace of cashless payments and mobile technology. With mobile money deeply embedded in everyday transactions, the integration of M-PESA and other mobile payment options into Carrefour’s self-checkout systems ensures that customers experience seamless, locally relevant convenience.
Anchored in Local Growth and Global Expertise
While self-checkout reflects global retail trends, Carrefour has localized the service for the Kenyan market. By offering payments through mobile money, an innovation pioneered in East Africa, it ensures the system resonates with everyday consumer habits. Moreover, with 99 per cent of Carrefour’s products in Kenya sourced locally, the digital upgrades are not only about efficiency but also about enhancing the accessibility of local goods in a modern retail environment.
Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, has positioned the brand as a leader in omnichannel retail across 12 markets. With over 390 stores globally, the company continues to pioneer digital-first customer experiences that blend physical retail with cutting-edge technology.
The Future of Shopping at Carrefour
The rollout of Carrefour’s Self-checkout service at Two Rivers Mall is more than a technology upgrade, it is a signal of where the future of retail in Kenya is headed. As consumers demand more efficiency and autonomy, self-checkout could become the standard rather than the exception.
With customer trust already established through Carrefour’s commitment to quality, affordability, and convenience, digital services like self-checkout are enhancing loyalty by aligning with the everyday needs of a fast-paced, tech-savvy population. In a country where innovation often leads to regional adoption, Carrefour’s move could inspire other retailers to integrate similar solutions.
For now, Carrefour customers at Two Rivers Mall can enjoy a shopping experience that blends local convenience with global standards of retail excellence. And as more outlets adopt this service, Carrefour’s Self-checkout service is poised to redefine how Nairobi shops, making queues a thing of the past and putting control firmly in the hands of the customer.
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