The Kisii community is known for being industrious and this is evidenced by their footprints in almost all the sectors of the economy. Apart from the few who engage in illicit hustles, Kisiis have been praised for their business acumen that stretches from the transport sector to the highly competitive entertainment scene.
In this article, WoK takes a look at some of the young Kenyans from the vast Kisii region who are considered to be among the wealthiest youth in the country.
Don Bosco Gichana
Gichana is a Kenyan businessman and politician, reportedly one of the wealthiest from Kisii. Over the years, the politician has made headlines for both the right and the wrong reasons.
In 2010, Don Bosco was accused alongside Graham Rioba Sawyer and Lawyer Albert Simiyu Kuloba of defrauding multiple banks Ksh200 million. The trio were accused of stealing Ksh96,759,540 from Fina Bank and a similar amount from Eco-Bank Towers. The businessman is said to have stolen another Ksh8 million from Fina Bank.
Photo/NMG
However, these allegations have never been ascertained to be true.
Gichana was accused by Tanzania authorities of conspiring to launder money in Nairobi, Arusha and Dar es Salaam between November 2009 and August 2010. He allegedly deposited Ksh411 million US Treasury cheques in an Arusha bank.
He pleaded guilty and was jailed in Tanzania and released in 2018, following intervention from the Jubilee administration.
Ringtone
Another rich Kisii whose source of wealth remains a mystery. He drives top of the range cars, owns a house in Runda and another ten bedroom in Karen. His Runda address is said to be worth ksh60 million.
Nyashinski
Nyamari Ongegu popularly known as Nyashinski is arguable one of the greatest musicians in the country.
The former Kleptomeniax Rap Group member has gone on to build a successful music career, despite taking a break for a while, when he lived and worked in the US.
Since returning to the country and rekindling his music career, Nyashinski is arguably the best musician in the country, releasing hit after hit, endearing himself to the hearts of many as one of the greatest of all time to ever do it.
His status makes him one of the highest earning artistes in the country, raking in over Ksh500,000 per show. He also has numerous endorsement deals including one by leading electronics manufacturer Samsung.
Anthony Kibagendi
Anthony Kibagendi is an experienced businessman and entreprenuer. He is the founder of Texas Rangers Security Company and Westwood Security Services Ltd where he serves as director of operations.
During a past interview on Young Rich which aired on K24, the businessman revealed that at the age of 31, he was worth somewhere between Ksh25 to ksh30 million. The Maseno University alumni also served as the Secretary of Youth Affairs at the office of the Deputy President.
Kibagendi owns an auto care centre in Embakasi. Today, the centre has thrived and is popular among many taxis plying the airport route. By the time he was giving an interview to The Standard in 2014, the business had employed four trained mechanics and was fully equipped.
The car hire business specializes in four-wheelers. They hire the vehicles out to corporates and high profile individuals.
He also runs a security business which reportedly employs over 80 people. They offer car patrol, surveillance cameras, and VIP security escorts among other services.
Kibagendi is eyeing the Kitutu Chache parliamentary seat in the upcoming August 9, 2022, General elections.
Joel Okeng’o Nyambane
The 31-year-old Nairobi-based businessman is said to be one of the richest youths from the Kisii region.
Popularly known as Governor Okeng’o, Joel is a philanthropist with a huge desire to uplift the lives of others. He is reportedly one of the sponsors of Children Angels of God, the largest children centre in Kawangware slums, Nairobi.
Okeng’o also sponsors several youth groups in Kisii and 13 women groups in Nairobi.
Jephnei Nyakwama
According to media reports, Nyakwama is among the richest youths from Gusii land. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he is the Chairman, Board Of Directors at Jiajiri Sacco Society Ltd since 2020.
Nyakwama first made headline while still a student in the university. He reportedly owned a number of businesses that raked in huge revenues, affording him a posh lifestyle.
He again made headlines in 2022 when he declared his presidential bid on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, but lost in the nominations to Deputy President William Ruto.
Here is a brief of the lawyer:
Jephnei Orina is a Lawyer based in Nairobi and C.E.O Tamara Capital Ltd which has subsidiaries in Real Estate, Manufacturing and Insurance
1. Real Estate:-
a) Tamara Furnished Apartments in Nakuru, Kisii and Nairobi
b) Tamara Centre, a mall in Kisii that hosts Stylish Lounge and several shops and eateries
2. Cagency Insurance Agency
3. Manufacturing- Tamara Water Bottling
