Post-Covid Retail Supply Chain Recovery Strategies and Performance of Large Supermarket Retailers in NairobiCounty; Kenya

The retail sector in Kenya has recently faced significant challenges, resulting in the closure of several large supermarket chains. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many retailers began to re-establish operations, driving interest in understanding recovery mechanisms used to enhance performance. This study examined the relationship between post-COVID-19 supply chain recovery strategies and the performance of large supermarkets in Nairobi County. It was anchored on the Resource-Based Theory. The target population included 162 participants made up of operations and supply chain or procurement managers from 81 branches of Naivas, Carrefour, and Quickmart supermarkets. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the effects of supply chain disruption responses, adaptation strategies, digital transformation, and supplier collaboration on supermarket performance. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and findings were presented in table form. The results showed that adaptation strategies (β = 0.491, p = 0.000), supplier collaboration (β = 0.341, p = 0.000), digital transformation (β = 0.309, p = 0.001), and supply chain disruption responses (β = 0.281, p = 0.002) all have a positive and statistically significant effect on performance. The study recommends that supermarkets reinforce adaptive capabilities, strengthen supplier partnerships, invest in digital supply chain tools, and establish proactive risk mitigation systems to improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and resilience against future disruptions.