By Prudence Minayo
Sportpesa was the most popular betting company in Kenya and the larger East Africa region. At the helm of its leadership was Ronald Karauri. The government declined to renew their operating license in 2019 citing unpaid taxes in excess of Sh15 billion. According to Business Daily, the company reported revenues of nearly Sh150 billion in 2018. This made it the second largest firm in revenue in Kenya after telecommunication giant Safaricom.
Below are some interesting facts compiled by WoK about Sportpesa’s CEO Ronald Karauri.
He was ranked among the highest paid CEOs in the country. Unverified reports from venasnews.co.ke in 2017 put his monthly salary at Sh10 million.
Also Read: Cosmas Korir: How 2018 SportPesa Jackpot Winner Invested His Sh208 million Fortune
He is the owner of the high end Skylux club in Westlands.
Mr. Karauri sold his land for millions of Kenyan Shillings in order to buy a stake in the betting firm Sportpesa.
Captain Karauri was in a casino when the idea to open Sportpesa was conceived. The idea was started by one of the people on the table.
His father Adams Karauri was an educator, Member of Parliament and Minister.
He loves cars and has a collection of watches.
Also Read: Asenath Wachera Maina: The Only Billionaire Woman Who Had Shares On SportPesa
The CEO worked with Kenya Airways for more than a decade and was the Secretary General of Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA). He co-piloted and piloted the Boeing 737.
The former KQ pilot was ranked 22nd on the Choiseul 100 Africa – Economic Leaders of Tomorrow.
He is an alumni of Mang’u High School.
He did not complete his Engineering degree at the University of Nairobi. He went on to join Kenya Airways (KQ) to train as a pilot.
He is married with three children. In an interview with MC Jessy, he revealed they went to flying school together and his wife was a captain with KQ. They have a son and two daughters.
Politics
On 9th February 2022, he declared interest in the Kasarani parliamentary seat.
“I have officially announced my bid and I am asking for your votes,” he said. He also urged the residents of Kasarani to elect transformational leaders including him.
The 44-year-old is yet to declare which party he is seeking to contest.
Read his full story here: Sportpesa CEO Ronald Karauri: Sold His Land To Start Betting Giant