In our capitalist economy, there is definitely no denying the massive disparity between the have and the have nots in the country. Kenya is known to be home to some of the richest individuals in the continent.
However, in this instance, whownskenya.com will focus on some of the most deep pocketed persons from Central Kenya. A region known as home to the largest number of Kenya’s wealthiest.
Mama Ngina Kenyatta
Wife to first President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Mama Ngina is one of the richest people in the country and in the continent.
In 2013, Forbes Magazine estimated her wealth at $1 billion (Ksh86 billion at the time) and was among the 55 richest Africans.
Her wealth is generated from her vast interests cutting across various sectors of the economy including; banking, real estate and hospitality.
President Uhuru Kenyatta
The Head of State is among the wealthiest individuals in the country and in the continent. Notably, he is among the wealthiest Presidents in Africa and the world.
Forbes ranks President Kenyatta at a net worth of $500 million (Ksh53.9 billion).
He is known to have major interests in sectors such as banking, real estate, education, and agriculture.
Jane Wanjiru Michuki
She remains the largest female stakeholder at the Nairobi Stock Exchange with an estimated net worth of US$50 million. She began her career as a lawyer founding Kimani and Michuki Advocates, a firm that has represented some of the biggest holdings in the country including Equity bank. She has a 9.5% stake at Britam worth Kes4.5 billion.
Jimmy Wanjigi
He is one of the few billionaires who dabbles in politics, something his peers will not be seen engaging publicly. Jimmy Wanjigi is known for engaging in big time projects and has been a supporter of Raila Odinga. He is known as James Bond thanks to how he operates.
Chris Kirubi’s Family
The late billionaire is famed for his entrepreneurial spirit and interest in several companies, employing tens of thousands of Kenyans.
Kirubi passed on at the age of 80 on June 14.
He had major interests in companies cutting across real estate, media, manufacturing among others. At the time of his passing, Kirubi was the chairman of Haco Industries Kenya Limited, Kiruma International Limited, Brand Kenya, DHL Express Kenya Limited, International House Limited, Nairobi Bottlers Limited, Sandvik East Africa Limited and Capital FM.
Kirubi was also associated with Centum Investments and the Two Rivers Mall.
In 2021, Kirubi was estimated to have a net worth of $300 million (Ksh32.3 billion).
Peter Munga
Born in 1943, Munga founded Equity Building Society (EBS) in his hometown of Kangema, Murang’a County in 1984 before it was renamed to Equity Bank in August 2014.
The reclusive billionaire is one of the wealthiest Kenyans. He owns Equity Bank, one of the largest financial providers in Kenya with operations in Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and DRC.
Hailing from Rwathia Village, Munga is estimated to be worth $300 million (Ksh32.3 billion).
James Mwangi
Equity Bank Group CEO James Mwangi is another son of Rwathia village, Kangema, Murang’a County.
He is among the highest paid CEOs in Kenya and arguable one of the richest individuals. Last year, he raked in Ksh278 million in bonuses.
He also owns a 5.52 per cent stake in the lender.
Mwangi is estimated at a net worth of $170 million (Ksh18.3 billion).
S.K Macharia
The media mogul is among the wealthiest individuals from Central Kenya and in the country.
His wealth is mainly associated with his ownership of Royal Media Services that owns numerous radio stations and 2 television station; Citizen TV and Inooro TV.
Macharia has an estimated net worth of $150 million (Ksh16.2 billion).
Jimnah Mbaru
Also Read: Ten Silent Billionaires In Kenya Who Hate The Limelight
The investment banker,69, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (BCom) from the University of Nairobi.
Mbaru owns a controlling majority stake at the Dyer and Blair Bank. He is also reported to have a stake in insurer British-American Investments Company (Britam).
Just like, Kirubi, Mwangi and Munga, Mbaru is also a son of Rwathia Village in Kangema, Murang’a County.
Rwathia might just be the wealthiest village in Kenya, considering the number of its wealthy children.
John Kibunga Kimani
Kibunga is among the most elusive billionaires in the country. However, his name comes up in the list of the richest individuals from Central Kenya.
Kibunga owns a 30 per cent stake in Kakuzi, a stake valued at over Ksh1.7 billion. He is also a share holder in Nation Media Group, with his shares reported at over Ksh400 million.
Mwai Kibaki
Kenya’s third President is among the wealthiest individuals hailing from Central Kenya.
The former President is reported to be worth over $60 million (Ksh6.4 billion).
Kibaki is among the largest land owners in the country with over 10,000 acres in the following regions; Bahati, Nanyuki, Laikipia, and Rumuruti.
He is also reported to have interests in a number of companies; UAP insurance, Jacaranda Hotel, CFC Bank, CMC Holdings Group of companies, Unga Group Ltd, Toyota Kenya, Express Kenya Ltd, Royal insurance, Windsor Golf, and Country Club among others.
Also Read: Property Owned By Mwai Kibaki, His Net Worth And Biography
Benson Wairegi
Wairegi is the incumbent Group Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of British-American Investments Company (Britam).
He first joined Britam at age 24 as the Chief Accountant and has grown to be head of the company and is also reported to have a stake in the company.
