By Isaac Blessings
The late billionaire Chris Kirubi was a man who accumulated massive wealth over the years to become one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. After his death on June 14, 2021, his wealth and vast estate was (divided) left in the hands of his children and siblings.
In this article, WoK brings you the story of Robert Kirubi – Chris Kirubi’s only son who refused to work for the family companies.
Educational Background
Robert Kirubi attended Hillcrest International in London before proceeding to St Mary’s High School where he schooled with Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, Media Personality Jeff Koinange and billionaire Jimmi Wanjigi among others. He later proceeded to the prestigious University of Northeaster where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1991.
Career Journey
He started off his career in 2003 working for DHL Express UK, a package transportation service, where he worked as a Customer Service Manager. He held the position for two years before being promoted to become the VP Customer Operations.
Robert left and joined another subsidiary of DHL known as DHL Service Logistics where he was appointed the Vice President Business Development – DHL Supply Chain EMEA Technology Sector.
The scion of Chris Kirubi was promoted to become VP Client Support Services and later VP Operations DHL Service Logistics EMEA. In September 2019, he was appointed as the Head of Global Customer Programs at DHL Service Logistics in Belgium where he serves till date.
He carries out a managerial role in a company that has over 380,000 direct employees and a presence in 220 countries across the world.
Declining to work In The Family Multibillion Empire
Despite being the son of a billionaire who heads different multi million companies in Kenya, the 55 year old chose to strike his own path and start a career in the United Kingdom just like any other person.
The details were first revealed by the late Chris Kirubi during a past interview with Mwalimu Churchill in the Journey series show that aired in 2020.
“My daughter is here in Kenya and is the Managing Director (MD) of my factory, Haco Industries. My son is in Brussels Belgium, he works for DHL. I think they pay him so much money that he refused to work for me. But it’s good he has accumulated a lot of experience. He travels a lot. I see myself in my son,” Chris Kirubi revealed during the exclusive interview.
During Chris Kirubi’s funeral ceremony held at the Faith Evangelistic Ministries in Karen, Robert while addressing the mourners, eulogized his father saying he was an understanding man.
He revealed that after turning down a job offer to work in the family empire, they never parted ways since he understood where he was coming from and respected his decision.
