When Kenyans think of billionaires, their attention is often turned towards the country’s capital or its neighbouring counties, such as Kiambu.
However, the Nyanza and Western regions are home to several low-profile entrepreneurs whose business empires silently control a significant chunk of the economies of these regions.
In this article, WOK has compiled a list of the region’s most influential business figures
Bernard Odote (Siaya)
Odote controls one of the largest business empires in Western and Nyanza, through the Odote Group of Companies.
With a net worth that is significantly north of ksh 1 billion, Odote is involved in businesses such as the provision of agricultural products and microlending.
He owns companies such as Homeboyz Entertainment, House of Procurement (HOP), WH Global Disposal Partners, PAWACOM, among many others.
Despite his success, Odote likes to keep a low public profile, unlike many Kenyan business moguls.
Evans Nyagaka Anyona (Kisii)
Evans Nyagaka is the majority shareholder of ENA coach bus company. The company’s initials are an acronym of Nyagaka’s full name.
ENA Coach boasts a fleet of over 70 buses, which has directly and indirectly employed over 300 individuals across Kenya.
Initially, ENA operated under the umbrella of Transline Classic but became an independent company in 2018 under the leadership and ownership of Mr Nyagaka.
ENA coach buses dominate major routes in the country’s western and Nyanza corridor as well as part of the coast region.
Evans Nyang’au (Kisii)
Evans Nyagaka Anyona is the founder and majority shareholder of Transline Classic, one of the largest public transport companies in the western region.
He started the business in 2005 with his initial vehicle being a pickup. He then invested in14-seater matatus and later long-distance travel buses.
The Nairobi-Kisii route is Transline’s strongest base, although the company’s vehicles also ply other towns such as Nakuru, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, and Kisumu.
Gor Semelang’o (Migori)
Gor Semelang’o made his fortune by investing in the local oil marketing business under the company Petrokenya Oil Company Limited, which supplies petroleum products throughout the East African region.
He is the company’s owner and founder. In 2019, Semelang’o sold 45% of his shares in Petrokenya to a United Arab Emirates Firm in a deal that saw him pocket ksh 4.5 billion.
He also owns Talanta Media, a media company that was behind the now-defunct Truth magazine.
Although he prefers keeping a low public profile, Semelang’o has previously made headlines after wearing a KSh 500,000 watch and gifting his son a Ford Mustang car worth ksh 4 million.
Jared Otieno (Homa Bay)
Jared Otieno is the CEO of Express Feeders Ltd, a company that has branches in many regional and international countries.
His net worth includes a sprawling mansion in Karen, which he bought for ksh 110 million in 2016 from Cytonn Investments.
He is also one of the few Kenyans who own several customized high-end vehicles, including a Porsche and a Bentley.
In 2022, the flamboyant businessman withdrew his bid for the Homa Bay County gubernatorial seat and instead chose to throw his weight behind then Suba South MP John Mbadi.
The Ouru Brothers (Kisii)
The Ouru brothers are a common household name in Kisii, thanks to their vast business empire which includes Ouru Discount Centre, Ouru Twin Towers, Ouru Hyper Stores, and other prominent buildings within Kisii town.
The brothers, whose real names are Mr. Ken Nyakundi Mogaka and Mr. Ken Mugambi Mogaka, have been very instrumental in the growth and development of many towns in Nyanza, especially Kisii.
Ouru Superstores is their most prominent business, with branches in Migori, Kisii, Bomet, Nyamira, and Homabay.