Kenya boasts several young wealthy businessmen and women who have accumulated wealth for themselves through investments in various sectors.
While the number of affluent individuals who are youths is spread out across the country, WoK in this article takes a look at the richest young Kalenjins in Kenya.
Allan Chesang
The young multi-millionaire ran for Trans Nzoia Senatorial seat in the August 9, 2022, General Elections on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket and emerged the winner.
In an interview with Comedian turned politician Felix Odiwuor on his YouTube channel, Bonga na Jalas on Jalango TV, Allan Chesang revealed that he operates a chain of entertainment joints under the brand name ‘Club Blend’ which are in Nairobi, Thika and Meru.
Together with his partners, he owns The Craft Lounge in Westlands and The Garage Club in Thika. He also runs a clearing and forwarding company called Uplift Express and is a major distributor of Bamburi Cement in the Western and Rift Valley regions.
He made his first million while in Form One after he won a regional table tennis tournament in Congo Brazzaville. He played the sport for a foreign club in France where he earned millions and returned to invest in Kenya after completing High School.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree in purchasing and supplies, and a Masters in Political Science at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Nick Ruto
The city lawyer is the son of President William Ruto, one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. Nick Ruto does not shy away from spending his millions and has on occasions been seen partying in high-end nightclubs in Nairobi.
Nick has taken a low profile since his father assumed the presidency.
Eliud Kipchoge
Eliud Kipchoge is perhaps the greatest long-distance runner of all time.
The Olympic gold medallist and world record holder have in the course of his career cemented his name as one of the all-time greats in sports history.
Kipchoge won his first major world marathon in 2014 at the Chicago Marathon. He went on to win the championship series in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
He has also won the London Marathon a record 4 times. His only losses are a second place finish in 2013 and an 8th place finish in 2020.
Kipchoge won the marathon gold medal at the 2016 Olympic in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
On October 12 2019, he became the first person to run a marathon under two hours. Though the fete does not count towards a world record, he achieved a 1:59:40 at the INEOS 1:59 challenge. The event was held in Vienna, Austria.
Kipchoge has raked in millions in prize winnings, sponsorships & endorsements, as well as from his investments.
He won £38,000 for his stunning display in Berlin in 2018. He also won £534,000 for setting a new world record.
Kipchoge won £39,000 at the 2018 London Marathon and took home £42,500 in 2019. He has a sponsorship deal with Nike.
His overall net worth is estimated at £2.29million.
Ezekiel is the only athlete to ever win four world championships in the steeplechase consecutively. He won the 3000m steeplechase at the 2004 Summer Olympics, the 2009 world championships, the 2012 summer Olympics, the 2013 world championships and the 2015 world championships.
Kemboi bagged millions in terms of prize money and sponsorship deals during his reign.
Wilson Kipsang
Has made a tidy sum from his track exploits. In 2014 he pocketed $500,000 (just above 50 million) jackpot after topping the standing in the six-race World Marathon Majors series. The athlete participated in the London Marathon and won in a record 2 hours, 4 minutes and 29 seconds.
From this victory, he earned $55,000 (just above Ksh5.5 million) and another $100,000 (Ksh10 million) bonus and an additional $25,000 (Ksh2.5 million) for shattering the course world record. And it doesn’t end there. The man of the moment pocketed $100,000 (Ksh10 million) as an appearance fee and bonus from Adidas who are his kit sponsors.
The athlete suffered a major blow when he was slapped with a four-year ban for alleged doping.
Julius Yego
He was the first Kenyan to win the Commonwealth Games gold medal in his speciality. Julius is a track and field athlete who competes in the javelin and is nicknamed Mr YouTube as he learnt his trade through watching YouTube videos.
Asbel Kiprop
The three-time Olympic 1500 meters and three-time world champion who is serving a four-year suspension for doping. The middle distance runner won his first major title at the 2007 All-Africa Games, taking the 1500m gold medal.
He has earned millions from his career performances and endorsement deals.
Vivian Cheruiyot
The long-distance runner specializes in track and cross country running and has represented Kenya in a number of races. She won a gold medal in the 5,000 meters at the 2016 Olympics, setting a new Olympic record.
