Kenyan billionaire and healthcare tycoon Jayesh Umesh Saini has received regulatory approval to acquire sole control of Africa Business Corporation and Development Limited (ABCD).
The approval was announced through Gazette Notice No. 16875, dated September 21, 2026.
It was signed by Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) Director-General David Kemei.
ABCD is an investment and business development group headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The company invests in and develops businesses across several sectors.
These sectors include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, insurance, financial services, digital technology, energy, clean-energy manufacturing, artificial intelligence, medical equipment, and infrastructure.
The company operates in more than 15 African countries.
Additionally, its operations extend to the Middle East and Asia, serving over 15 million customers each year and employing over 4,000 workers.
Saini is best known as the founder and chairman of Bliss Healthcare, one of Kenya’s largest networks of private outpatient medical centres.
The Bliss Chain of Hospitals operates about 65 outpatient clinics across 37 counties, including major towns like Bungoma, Eldoret, Kikuyu, Migori, Meru and Mlolongo.
Additionally, it has other branches in Tanzania.
Saini established Bliss in 2012, and the clinic offers services such as consultations, laboratory services, pharmacy services, dental treatment, and specialised medical care.
Aside from Bliss Healthcare, Saini also owns other businesses including Lifecare Hospitals, Dinlas Pharma, Fertility Point, Medical Administrators Kenya Limited (MAKL) and Star Discover Insurance.
The tycoon’s interest in the healthcare business can be traced back to his family background.
His father, Dr Umesh Saini, is credited with establishing Nairobi West Hospital, which is one of the leading private hospitals in Nairobi.
For more than 10 years, Saini has invested and expanded into the pharmaceutical manufacturing business through Dinlas Pharma, which manufactures medicines for the Kenyan and regional markets.
He has often stated his plans to expand his healthcare business across Africa, including the use of technology to improve medical services.
The tycoon’s acquisition of the ABCD group will give him control over all the companies under its umbrella.
Star Discover Insurance and MAKL are some of the companies that are part of ABCD’s financial services business.
Star Discover deals in the provision of insurance services and is registered by the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya.
These services cover areas such as medical treatment, motor vehicles, property, and accidents.
MAKL, its sister company, deals in the administration of medical insurance schemes, including coordinating healthcare providers and processing medical claims.
By acquiring ABCD, Saini will become one of Africa’s strongest healthcare tycoons.
His acquisition happens at a time when Kenya’s healthcare and insurance sectors are increasingly expanding.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics’ 2026 Economic Survey, the number of beds in private healthcare facilities increased from 47,124 in 2024 to 50,828 in 2025.
Reports also estimate that Kenya’s insurance penetration rose to 2.63 per cent in 2025.
Saini’s competitors include Equity Group CEO James Mwangi, whose organisation supports the rapidly expanding Equity Afya healthcare network.