Nairobi, Feb. 1 -- Josef Seibel, one of Europe's oldest shoemakers, has opened its first concept store in Nairobi to tap into the growing middle class, with eyes on other African markets in the long term.

For 137 years, the family-owned German company that is located in Hauenstein has manufactured and sold shoes in northern Europe and America.

The Nairobi franchise is its first store on the continent.

The entry of Josef Seibel adds to the number of multinational brands that have set up shop in Kenya in recent years, to seize the bulging number of Kenyans with growing disposable income.

In readiness for entry into Kenya, Joseph Seibel opened a manufacturing plant in Ukunda, Kwale County two years ago where it has been making shoes for ...