Paresh Tanna is a quiet billionaire behind some of the multimillion commercial properties in Kitale town. He is so reclusive that a majority of Kitale residents may not know him. But he is an architect of Kitale’s skyline and his 12 floor One Tanna Towers has become a landmark building in town. Through the investment vehicle of Tanna Group, Mr Tanna has been able to build multimillion commercial properties in Kitale CBD.
Here is the story as told by WoK:-
Background and Family
Mr Tanna was born and brought up in Kitale. He is among the alumni of Kitale School – in fact, he was the first Asian child to enroll at the school after it started admitting non-whites in 1962.
Paresh Tanna lost his brother, Natubhai Tanna in 2023 after prolonged illness. The sibling’s cremation was attended by prominent people including Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory.
What Paresh Tanna Owns
Though the Tanna Group, Paresh Tanna is linked to several commercial properties in Kitale CBD.
- One Tanna Towers – The tallest building in Kitale that stands at 12 floors. Its construction cost was a whooping Ksh 500 million.
- R.B Shah building – It houses among other clients Optica. It is reported that Optica pays an estimated monthly rent of Ksh 150k.
- Western Seed warehouse building
- The building that hosted Tuskys Supermarket – It cost an estimated Ksh 400 million to construct.
- Equity and Absa banks building.
- One Tanna Residency
Another tycoon who has contributed to reshaping Kitale’s skyline is Ibrahim Ambwere. He ranks among the richest people from Western Kenya.
He owns commercial buildings in Kitale, Kakamega, Chavakali and Kisumu. The tycoon lives in Kitale and his Ambwere plaza is rented by a number of government parastatals. Even though he is estimated to be worth billions he never wants to reveal his net worth.