In Kenya, a few individuals stand out for their incredible wealth. These billion-dollar moguls have achieved financial success that many only dream of.
They have faced and conquered numerous challenges along their journey. Each of them has navigated the changing economic landscape of the country.
Through hard work, determination, and smart decisions, they have built their fortunes. Their stories inspire many people in Kenya and beyond.
As they continue to grow their businesses, they contribute to the economy and create job opportunities.
This group of wealthy individuals shows what is possible with perseverance and vision in Kenya’s dynamic environment.
Unveiling Top Billionaires in Kenya and Their Wealth
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to highlight Kenya’s top billionaires of the year. These industrious entrepreneurs and smart investors have built their wealth through strategic thinking and a strong commitment to excellence.
Their businesses span various sectors, including finance, real estate, telecommunications, and more.
By doing so, they are shaping Kenya’s economic future and making their mark on the global business stage.
Join us as we explore the successes and businesses of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals. We will take a closer look at their journeys and the impact they have on the economy and society as a whole.
1-Manu Chandaria -Net Worth $1 billion
Manu Chandaria, a Kenyan businessman of Indian descent, was born in Nairobi. He is a senior member of the Comcraft Group of Companies, which operates in over 40 countries.
He also serves as the Chairman of the Bank of India Advisory Committee in Nairobi. His business interests are vast, covering many sectors of the Kenyan economy and extending to 50 other countries.
Chandaria’s father, an Indian merchant from Saurashtra, Gujarat, moved to Kenya in 1915 and started a provisions shop in Nairobi. Manu is married to Aruna. They have two children, Priti and Neal, who works in the family business, and three grandchildren.
2-Mama Ngina Kenyatta -Net worth $1 billion
Mama Ngina Kenyatta is a notable figure in Kenya, recognized not only for her role as the former First Lady of the Republic of Kenya but also for her impressive business acumen.
With a net worth of $1 billion, she stands out as the only female dollar billionaire in the country.
Her business interests are diverse and span several key sectors, including real estate, hospitality, and banking.
Mama Ngina has established significant stakes in several prominent enterprises, such as Peponi School, a well-regarded educational institution, Brookside Dairy, one of the largest dairy companies in Kenya, NCBA Bank, and Mediamax, a media company.
Her contributions to various industries and her philanthropic efforts have solidified her status as an influential player in the Kenyan economy.
Mama Ngina Kenyatta’s legacy extends beyond her wealth, reflecting her commitment to impacting society and fostering growth in different sectors.
3-Bhimji Depar Shah – Net worth: $790 million
Bhimji is a Kenyan businessman, industrialist, and entrepreneur. He founded and chairs BIDCO Group of Companies, a manufacturing conglomerate operating in 13 African countries.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Bhimji moved to Kenya in the mid-1900s and settled in Nyeri, where he opened a petrol station. In 1970, he started Bidco Industries Limited, initially as a garments manufacturing business.
In 2024, Bhimji is one of Kenya’s richest men, with a net worth of $790 million.
4-Uhuru Kenyatta – Net worth: $530 million
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is one of Kenya’s richest men, with a net worth of $530 million. He served as Kenya’s fourth president from 2013 to 2022.
Uhuru is the son of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president. Before becoming president, he was Deputy Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
He owns businesses in banking, milk processing, transport, media, hospitality, and land.
5-Mahendra Rambgai Patel -Net worth : $420 million
Mahendra is one of the richest men in Kenya, with a net worth of Ksh48.7 billion.
His family owns the Ramco Group of Companies, a conglomerate running over 45 businesses in East Africa.
Born and raised in Gujarat, India, Mahendra moved to Kenya in the early 1940s. In 1948, he opened a hardware store in downtown Nairobi.
The store grew over time and eventually became the Ramco Group of Companies.
In 1986, the company expanded into stainless steel and printing industries.
By 1995, they acquired Sai Office Supplies and later entered the retail sector.
6-William Ruto – Net worth $400 million
William Ruto became Kenya’s president in September 2022, succeeding Uhuru Kenyatta.
He is one of the wealthiest leaders in the world, with an estimated net worth of $400 million.
From 2013 to 2022, Ruto served as deputy president.
He built most of his wealth through real estate, the hotel industry, and insurance businesses.
7-Samuel Kamau Macharia – Net worth $320 million
Samuel Kamau Macharia, known as S.K. Macharia, founded and chairs Royal Media Services, the largest private radio and TV network in Eastern Africa.
He controls much of Kenya’s media. Anyone looking to start a radio station must consult him due to his large ownership of frequencies.
Macharia is married to Purity Gathoni Macharia. They have six children—two daughters and four sons.
Gathoni is the sister of former Kenyan Cabinet Minister Njeru Githae and Syracuse University Professor Micere Githae Mugo.
8-Peter Munga – net worth $280
Peter Kahara Munga is a Kenyan businessman and entrepreneur.
He served as the group chair of Equity Bank Group, the largest bank holding company in Africa.
Munga is one of the wealthiest individuals in Kenya, with a net worth of $280 million.
9-Dr. James Mwangi -Net worth $170 million
Peter Kahara Munga is a Kenyan businessman and entrepreneur.
He served as the group chair of Equity Bank Group, the largest bank holding company in Africa.
Munga is one of the wealthiest individuals in Kenya, with a net worth of $280 million.
10- Raila Odinga -Net worth $170 million
Raila served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He has a net worth of $170 million, earned mainly from politics and manufacturing.
Raila owns East African Spectre and Pan African Petroleum Industrial Services. He has also invested in land and the manufacturing sector.