The agricultural manufacturing industry in Kenya has grown rapidly over the years. As a result, several companies have sprung up to fill the gap in manufacture of consumer products, most notably grains.
Kenya boasts several maize millers spread out across the country. These companies are responsible for the maize products that are consumed in almost all the households in the country.
WoK profiles some of the tycoons behind the leading maize millers in Kenya.
Phillip Ndegwa family – Unga Group
The Ndegwa family owns 50.93 per cent of miller Unga Group through Victus Limited.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, the flour milling firm listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) recorded a net profit of Ksh293.5 million. This was an increase of 343% compared to the Ksh66.2 million it registered in 2020.
The company owns the brands; Jogoo maize flour, Famila porridge, Exe wheat flour, and Amana (rice and pulses).
Islam Ali and Ahmed Ali families – Mombasa Maize Millers
The Ali Brothers founded MMM in 1978 with a single small maize mill in Mombasa and has since grown to become the largest miller of maize and wheat in Kenya with mills located in various towns including Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Kitale.
Mombasa Maiza Millers is one of the largest millers of maize and wheat in Kenya, producing both maize and wheat flour under the Ndovu, Taifa, Swan, Cosmo, Bahari, Shibe and Tima brands. Our vast portfolio also includes edible oils, animal feeds, salt, sweets and confectioneries.
The company circulates their products nationally to both the retail and wholesale markets, catering to all demographics and segments.
Though the two brothers are since deceased, their children have taken up the mantle and run the business together.
Dodi A Salim Abubakar – Pembe Flour Mills
Abubakar is the Managing Director at Pembe Flour Mills. The company manufactures Pembe wheat and maize flour.
It is located along Lunga Lunga Road in Industrial Area.
Dalichand Shah – Capwell Industries Ltd
Shah founded Capwell Industries Limited in 1999 with a milling factory in Thika. The company has since grown to diversify their products offering to over 30 different nutritious food products.
Some of the brands owned by Capwell Industries include; Soko, Amaize, Ranee (Rice & pasta), pearl (rice & pasta), CIL, and yola.
Ramnik Shah – Nairobi Flour Mills Group
Ramnik is the owner of Nairobi Flour Mills Group. It was founded in 1949 as small scale grain millers.
The company owns the brands; Jimbi maize, and Jimbi wheat.
Bernard Wainana – Mama Millers
Wainaina founded Mama Millers in 2007, and began operating out of Kitale Town, Trans Nzoia County. The company later shifted base to Thika, Kiambu County.
The company is responsible for the brands; Mama maize meal, and Mama Unga Ngano.
Mohamed Khalif – Alpha Grain Millers
Khalif is the managing director of Alpha Grain Millers. The company began operations in the 1970s as a distribution company and was incorporated on September 14, 2009.
It is responsible for the Kifaru flour brands.
Joshua Chepkwony – Jamii Millers
The billionaire businessman Joshua Chepkwony is the owner of Jamii Millers. The company is located in Sergoit, Uasin Gishu.
It manufactures the Jamii flour brands.
Munir Thabit – Grain Industries Limited
The Mombasa-based miller is headed by Munir Thabit.
The company produces the Ajab and Umi flour brands.
