At just 32, Nahashon Mungai is the architect behind Mansa-X, a Kenyan multi-asset investment fund that pools investors’ money and invests across assets such as stocks and currencies.
The fund, which is a product of Standard Investment Bank (SIB), is currently worth about KES 153 billion, according to Business Daily.
This is Nahashon’s journey as told by WoK:
Growing up in Limuru
Nahashon, who hails from a family of four, was born in the verdant suburbs of Ndeiya, Limuru. This is in Kiambu County.
He is the great-grandson of Chief Waiyaki Wa Hinga, a famous freedom fighter.
Although they were not affluent, Nahashon’s parents made enough to raise their children in a comfortable family.
His mother worked for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a job that allowed her to travel frequently and meet all sorts of people. His father, on the other hand, was a civil engineer.
Growing up, Nahashon liked reading books and watching documentaries about successful people.
“A lot of the things I see in my life now are very similar to the things I saw and read about,” he revealed in a recent interview with Business Daily.
Starting his career
When Nahashion landed his first job as a cashier, his ambition was to save and earn enough to buy a car, which he could use to transport his family.
He says that one of the most impactful chapters of his life was between ages 25-35. It was during this time that he learned how to be a father and a husband, while still striving to achieve his dreams.
At the age of 32, he quit his banking career and founded Mansa X, although many people considered his decision crazy at the time.
The fund was launched in 2019 and has since managed assets worth tens of billions of Kenyan shillings.
Family and painful loss
Nahashon’s wife is a psychologist, and the couple has been blessed with two daughters aged 8 and 16. One of their daughters is an artist and has even sold one of her artworks for Ksh 100,000.
The couple also had a son, who sadly passed away during infancy.
“No sooner had the baby been born than we lost him,” he said, adding that the loss sparked his interest in improving the country’s healthcare sector.
Nash, as his friends call him, maintains that his daughters must learn the Gikuyu language, even hiring tutors to teach them Gikuyu lessons.
Life away from investments
Away from the chaotic world of numbers, cheques, and bank accounts, Nahashon finds comfort in spending time in his mancave and watching movies.
“In all my houses, I always have a mancave. I like watching movies alone. It is where my creativity comes from,” he said.
Sme of his hobbies include playing golf at Muthaiga Country Club and riding horses with his friends. He also spends time at his Limuru fruit farm and enjoys music from bands such as The Beatles and The Dire Straits.
He maintains that money accumulates towards people who respect it, which is why he encourages people to spend less than they can afford.
“In life, unlike markets, bad things tend to get better. Remember to be playful. Don’t let life dictate who you are,” he said.