Since 1951
Our Story
The family journey behind Victoria Furnitures
1951 — The Beginning
A founder's resilience
The story of Victoria Furnitures is rooted in the resilience, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Hemraj Keshavji Shah, affectionately known within the family as Bapuji.
After establishing a business in Nairobi in 1951, Bapuji handed its management to his nephews and began searching for new opportunities.
1952–1964 — The Early Ventures
Every venture built something new
Over the following years, Bapuji undertook several different ventures. These included selling charcoal and daatan on Cross Road, trading vegetables and bananas, operating a general store and petrol station in Kajiado, producing mattresses from the soft fibres of the kapok tree, and purchasing scrap materials from auctions.
Each venture strengthened the resilience, adaptability and work ethic that would later form the foundation of Victoria Furnitures.
At one stage, the family struggled to afford school fees of just 10 shillings. Despite these difficulties, Bapuji's determination never wavered.
1965 — Moving Into Furniture
A son joins the business
In 1965, Bapuji's eldest son, Vinod, joined the family's mattress and pillow-making business. With his support, the operation grew and gradually expanded into furniture.
1969 — Victoria Furnitures Is Established
A defining moment
In 1969, the family opened a large showroom on Victoria Street in Nairobi and named the business Victoria Furnitures Limited. This was a defining moment for the family and marked the beginning of the company we know today.
Growing With Nairobi
Building long-term relationships
As Nairobi developed, Victoria Furnitures continued to grow alongside the city and its customers. The business became known for providing furniture to homes, businesses and institutions, building long-term relationships through dependable products, personal service and an understanding of local customer needs.
In 1992, Victoria Furnitures relocated to Koinange Street, strengthening its presence within Nairobi's central business district. In 2003, the company opened its flagship showroom in Westlands — at the time, the largest furniture showroom in East Africa.
Victoria Furnitures Today
Focused on better workplaces
Today, Victoria Furnitures is focused primarily on office furniture and workplace solutions. Over the decades, we have continued to evolve in response to changing ways of working, new workplace requirements and the growing demand for ergonomic, flexible and well-designed office environments.
1951 → Today
The Milestones, Visually
Every mark on this timeline represents a decision that shaped who we are today — from a single founder's resilience to Kenya's largest furniture showroom of its time.
The Beginning
Hemraj Keshavji Shah, known within the family as Bapuji, establishes a business in Nairobi before handing its management to his nephews and pursuing new opportunities.
The Early Ventures
Bapuji undertakes several ventures — charcoal and daatan, trading vegetables and bananas, a general store and petrol station in Kajiado, kapok mattresses and scrap materials from auctions. These experiences establish the resilience that would later shape Victoria Furnitures.
Moving Into Furniture
Bapuji's eldest son, Vinod, joins the family's mattress and pillow-making business. Together, they expand the operation and begin moving into the furniture industry.
Victoria Furnitures Is Established
The family opens a large showroom on Victoria Street in Nairobi and establishes Victoria Furnitures Limited.
Moving to Koinange Street
Victoria Furnitures relocates to Koinange Street, strengthening its presence within Nairobi's central business district.
Westlands Flagship Showroom
Victoria Furnitures opens its flagship showroom in Westlands. At the time, it was the largest furniture showroom in East Africa.
Focused on Better Workplaces
Today, Victoria Furnitures specialises in office furniture and workplace solutions, serving individuals, businesses and institutions across Kenya — with an extensive product range, ready stock, and delivery and installation capabilities.
Meet the people continuing the story
From founder to family business to today's leadership team.