Founded in 1998 by Peter Njoroge Karanja and Tecklah Magema Lenjo, BestLady has grown from a single outlet into one of Kenya’s leading beauty and cosmetics chains. The brand is loved for its wide range of affordable beauty, skincare, and hair products that cater to women from all walks of life.
The Owners and Growth Journey
The company was initially registered as Best Lady Cosmetics Ltd before rebranding to Bestly Cosmetics Ltd in 2008. During the same year, the headquarters moved from Funzi in Industrial Area to Mombasa Road.
Peter Karanja, one of the founders, is ranked among Kenya’s richest businesspeople, with an estimated net worth of over KSh 900 million. Despite his success, Karanja keeps a low profile, with limited details available about his other business ventures.
The company is managed by a Managing Director, supported by departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Sales, and Operations.
BestLady’s Wide Product Range
BestLady offers a comprehensive variety of beauty and personal care items, including:
- Hair products: wigs, weaves, braids, and extensions
- Skincare and body care items
- Makeup and beauty accessories
- Ladies’ wear and sanitary products
- Nail salon and barber (kinyozi) accessories
This extensive selection has helped BestLady maintain a strong competitive edge in Kenya’s fast-growing beauty market.
Branches Across Kenya
BestLady has outlets in major towns, including:
- Nairobi: River Road, Moi Avenue, Ronald Ngala Street, and Tom Mboya Street
- Mombasa: Digo Road and Mtwapa
- Nakuru: Kenyatta Avenue, Mburu Gichua Road, and Gusii Road
- Eldoret: Oloo Street and Ogina Odinga Road
- Thika, Kisii, Kitale, Bungoma, Meru, Nyeri, Kitui, Machakos, and Nanyuki
The Pink Brand Controversy
In 2014, BestLady hit the headlines after Mombasa County ordered that all buildings in the CBD be painted white and Egyptian blue. The company refused, arguing that the bright pink color was a key part of its brand identity.
BestLady challenged the directive in court, where founder Peter Karanja stated that the move would “deny us the right to use our long-term trademarks and branding.”
The High Court ruled in favor of BestLady, allowing it to retain its signature pink color — now a defining part of Kenya’s beauty scene.
