Billionaire businessman Deepak Kamani is the executive chairman of Zuri Group Global—a multi-billion conglomerate with diverse interests in real estate, hospitality, project financing, floriculture, hospitality, e-commerce, infrastructure development, renewable energy and power, and defence and national security.
The group owns the iconic Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa.
Deepak Kamani is a shrewd entrepreneur and has expanded Zuri Group’s footprint across the African, Asian, and European continents. The conglomerate has set up many luxurious five-star hotels in India and elsewhere.
The businessman is a member of the renowned Kamani Family of Nairobi. The automobile engineer boasts vast experience in international business practice.
Background
Deepak Kamani was born at the Ngara Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, on July 3, 1953. He is the son of Chamanlal Kamani. At the age of 17, he was disinterested in continuing with school and dropped out of Form Two.
He began working at his father’s auto shop in Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street. That was in the 1960s.
“I never liked school. I was always last in class. I also failed in swimming,” he told Business Daily in a past interview.
“My dad said I needed professional training and took me to Kenya Polytechnic (now Technical University of Kenya) for training in mechanical work,” he says.
At the Polytechnic, he registered for part-time classes and completed his diploma.
Mr Kamani excelled in selling motor spare parts and his father opened a shop in Mombasa
for him. He stayed there for four years (1969-1974) and later returned to Nairobi because his family was starting to miss him.
It was at this time that he convinced his father to venture into the posho mills business and they started Kamsons Limited — which was short for Kamani & Sons. It was the formation of Kamsons Ltd that would lead the Kamanis into the world of government tenders, and big money and later taint the family name.
With Kamsons, they started by tendering to the Ministry of Public Works from newspaper adverts. The government tenders were as lucrative as today, but Mr Kamani says there was a shortage of cash since payments took long.
But given the government is the biggest spender, the tender contracts for them were viable. And even in the face of Anglo Leasing scandals, he says he would still do the same.
“We are part and parcel of this country. Like any other business we are ready to do it if opportunity arises,” he said.
He is a father to two — Daisy, his first daughter, is married to late former billionaire and Sameer Group chairman Naushad Merali’s son while Bobby is a businessman.
Anglo Leasing Scandal
The Kamanis, Chamanlal and his two sons, Deepak and Rashmi, were charged alongside several others including former Kisii County Senator Chris Obure, and David Mwiraria for alleged involvement in the multi-billion Anglo Leasing scandal.
In 2015 the brothers were charged, alongside their late father Chamanlal and seven government officials, for conspiring to acquire bogus state contracts for services that were never delivered — but totalled at least $640 million. This was allegedly through a supplier’s credit contract agreement for the Modernisation of Police Security Equipment and Accessories Project.
“Anglo Leasing has been used to cover other political issues that arise time and again. It is always political,” he told BD.
For several years, Deepak Kamani fought to clear his name. After frequent grilling — at times lasting more than four hours with investigators and what he described as “harsh media coverage”.
On January 19, 2024, the brothers were acquitted of their involvement in the scandal for lack of evidence.
Zuri Group
The dream that was Zuri began in the year 1960 when the Kamani family set up its first trading business in Nairobi, Kenya. Its rapid success led to expansion into the floriculture business and soon found itself being propelled to the next big initiative — hospitality.
The group began its foray into the hospitality segment with a takeover of ‘The Liner’ — the only themed Hotel in Liverpool City Centre.
The Liner was soon followed by the construction of the first hotel in Varca, Goa, built in a record 11 months in 2002. This also marked the beginning of bold business expansions in India. It was followed by Kumarakom, Kerala, in 2006 and another property in Goa, all of which were in partnership with major international hospitality brands. During this period the group also acquired The Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa – a luxury hotel in Mombasa, Kenya.
March 2009 saw the fructification of a dream that the Zuri Group had long cherished; the launch of Zuri’s very own brand of hotels and resorts. This happened with the group’s fourth hotel property in India at Whitefield, Bangalore. This new hotel catered to both the discerning businessman and the leisure seeker, creating a niche in the luxury segment with a unique brand of hospitality.
With experience gained over five decades, Zuri Group Global has built for itself a strong presence in many fields. Now with a footprint spread across 3 continents and growing, the group is spreading its wings and venturing into the green energy sector.
Floriculture
Floriculture has remained one of Zuri Group Global’s core businesses. Having set up two rose farms in Nairobi, Kenya, under the brand of Primarosa Flowers, the group has established itself as one of the leading players in the world. The name has been derived from two words which are Prima meaning Premium and Rosa which means Rose.
Spread over an area of 150 hectares, Primarosa Flowers exports over 100 million roses to regions around the world such as The UK, the Middle East and Holland. It was also the recipient of the prestigious ‘GOLD AWARD’ at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
The floriculture division of the Zuri Group employs over 1600 employees and is the market leader in high-quality roses. Expansions into other African countries are in the pipeline presently.
Zuri Realty
Presently, Zuri is involved in the construction, development and management of real-estate projects of varying sizes within East and Central Africa. We have expertise in residential, commercial, hospitality and more, emerging as the top choice for joint developments or venture agreements within the Real Estate sector in the region.
Zuri Energy
Zuri Green Energy is the Zuri Group Global’s foray into the green energy sector through a multi-pronged effort into unconventional sources of renewable energy.
With an aim to empower the world today, Zuri Green Energy has identified its thrust areas in geothermal and energy from waste, besides wind itself. Already present in the wind energy sector with windmills in South India, these initiatives are all set to roll out in India and Kenya, with immediate plans to make significant in-roads into East & Central Africa and the Middle East.
E-Commerce
Zuri launched Zoffio.com — a comprehensive portal for Office Supplies Solutions. Launched in 2013, Zoffio offers a sense of professionalism, range and customer service to specialised office solutions.
The platform has grown to become a preferred destination for office machines, peripherals, office utilities, stationery and corporate gifts.
Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa
Nestled in the pristine, white sands of the South Kenyan coastline, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa is one of the most preferred getaways for luxury travellers looking to explore the uniquely enchanting experience of the serene beaches and Swahili culture that Kenya has to offer.
Offering world-class hospitality standards, the resort offers a perfect destination for beach holidays, corporate and social events as well as grand weddings.
Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa offers 143 aesthetically decorated rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities to make your stay a memorable affair.
Accommodation in the resort is available in Standard and Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, Penthouses and two Presidential Suites. The interior designs of the rooms incorporate a fusion of international, and local African décor and spectacular outdoor views of Diani Beach and the Indian Ocean.
For the connoisseurs of luscious food, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa has a variety of restaurants offering refined cuisine.
Enjoy an extensive buffet at The Coral Rock Café which includes live cooking for breakfast, à la carte lunch, and dinner.
The Fins Beach Bar & Grill serves sizzling fresh fish and meat as well as light Mediterranean dishes.
After an eventful day, unwind in a lively ambience at our Zebra Square Bar & Piano Lounge.
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy a few drinks with friends, or meet new people, Zuri Disco is the place to be.
From a business perspective, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa has reinvented itself as a conference destination of choice with a capacity of up to 2000 delegates and a round-the-clock executive centre whose facilities include several boardrooms, meeting rooms, workstations, and secretarial services.
Diani Reef is the ultimate destination to celebrate life’s special moments while basking in the warm tropical climate on the beach, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, vow renewal, marriage proposal, baby shower or birthday party, we’re dedicated to helping you create unforgettable memories.
