As competition in Kenya’s retail sector intensified, Tuskys relied heavily on debt to finance its expansion. Empty shelves, once unimaginable in its stores, gradually became a familiar sight as suppliers withheld stock over unpaid invoices. By 2023, the final Tuskys stores had closed, marking the end of a retail empire that had once appeared untouchable. The collapse also reshaped Kenya’s retail industry. It is about how success can unravel when debt outpaces growth, governance weakens and confidence from suppliers, employees and customers begins to fade.