Kenya is home to some of East Africa’s most influential and affluent individuals, whose wealth spans key sectors such as banking, manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, telecommunications, retail, and media. These wealthy Kenyans have played a major role in shaping the country’s economic growth, job creation, and regional expansion.
Based on publicly available estimates and business interests, below is a look at some of the richest people and families in Kenya as of 2024, ranked by estimated net worth.
1. Mama Ngina Kenyatta
Estimated Net Worth: ~$1 billion
Source of Wealth: Real estate, banking, hospitality
Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the matriarch of the Kenyatta family and mother of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, holds extensive investments in land, banking, and hospitality. She remains one of the most influential figures on the list of richest people in Kenya.
2. Bhimji Depar Shah
Estimated Net Worth: ~$700 million
Source of Wealth: Manufacturing (BIDCO Group)
The founder and chairman of BIDCO Group, Bhimji Depar Shah built one of Africa’s largest consumer goods manufacturing empires, with operations in more than 10 African countries.
3. Naushad Merali
Estimated Net Worth: ~$550 million
Source of Wealth: Telecommunications, diversified investments
As chairman of Sameer Group, Naushad Merali has interests in agriculture, construction, finance, and technology. He previously held a major stake in Airtel Kenya, which significantly boosted his fortune.
4. Uhuru Kenyatta
Estimated Net Worth: ~$500 million
Source of Wealth: Agribusiness, family investments
Before becoming Kenya’s fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta managed family businesses with extensive land holdings and agribusiness operations, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in the country.
5. Chris Kirubi
Estimated Net Worth: ~$300 million
Source of Wealth: Investments, media, manufacturing
The late Chris Kirubi was one of Kenya’s most respected industrialists, with major stakes in Centum Investment Company, media houses, real estate, and manufacturing.
6. Manu Chandaria
Estimated Net Worth: ~$270 million
Source of Wealth: Manufacturing (Comcraft Group)
Manu Chandaria leads Comcraft Group, a multinational manufacturing firm producing steel, plastics, and aluminum products across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
7. Atul Shah
Estimated Net Worth: ~$290 million
Source of Wealth: Retail (Nakumatt Holdings)
Atul Shah served as managing director and CEO of Nakumatt, once East Africa’s largest supermarket chain before its financial collapse.
8. Peter Munga
Estimated Net Worth: ~$200 million
Source of Wealth: Banking (Equity Bank)
Peter Munga is the long-serving chairman of Equity Bank, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions by customer base and regional reach.
9. Raila Odinga
Estimated Net Worth: ~$250 million
Source of Wealth: Politics, business interests
A veteran opposition leader and former prime minister, Raila Odinga has accumulated wealth through consultancy, energy-related interests, and long-standing political influence.
10. James Mwangi
Estimated Net Worth: ~$170 million
Source of Wealth: Banking, insurance
James Mwangi is the group CEO and managing director of Equity Group Holdings, credited with transforming Equity into a regional financial powerhouse.
Kenya’s Wealth Landscape in 2024
The richest people in Kenya have built their fortunes through entrepreneurship, generational wealth, corporate leadership, and strategic investments. Their influence extends beyond personal wealth, shaping national policy, regional trade, employment, and philanthropy.
As Kenya continues to position itself as East Africa’s economic hub, these individuals and families remain central to the country’s business and investment ecosystem.
