While many of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals have inherited their fortunes, a notable number of young Kenyans from affluent families have chosen to carve their own paths and build successful businesses independently of their family wealth. Children of Kenyan Billionaires.
Here are some of these enterprising individuals:
Alyana and Alyssa Popat
- Background: Daughters of billionaire Adil Popat, founder and CEO of Simba Corp Limited.
- Ventures: Owners of Nairobi Street Kitchen, a popular chain of 11 outdoor restaurants that has attracted high-profile patrons, including President Uhuru Kenyatta and the music group Sauti Sol.
Kimoi Moi
- Background: Son of Baringo County Senator Gideon Moi and grandson of the late President Daniel Arap Moi.
- Education: Graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Civil Engineering.
- Ventures: Director of Agrico East Africa Company, a leading seed company in Kenya, focusing on commercial potato farming.
Rita Field Marsham
- Background: Daughter of the late Nicholas Biwott, former Cabinet Minister.
- Ventures: Declined her inheritance to distribute it among her siblings. She is a humanitarian lawyer and CEO of two charity organizations, Knowledge Empowering Youth (KEY) and Charles Field-Marsham Foundation. She also directs the Kenya Scholar Athlete Program, which has provided scholarships to over 130 Kenyan students for studies abroad.
Robert Kirubi
- Background: Son of the late billionaire Chris Kirubi, founder of Centum Investments.
- Ventures: Chose not to join the family business and instead built his career in Europe. He is the Head of Global Customers Programs at DHL and has accumulated significant experience and wealth independently.
Anerlisa Muigai
- Background: Daughter of billionaire Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries.
- Ventures: After being denied a marketing job at her mother’s company due to a lack of experience, she founded Nero Company Limited, which produces top executive beverages. The company has been successfully operating for over 11 years.
Trushar Khetia
- Background: From the Khetia family, owners of the popular Khetia’s Supermarket.
- Ventures: Left the family business to start his own ventures. Founded Tria Group of Companies, a marketing company that uses transport vehicles for advertisements. Also established Bloom Wellness, a chain of pharmacies, and Society Stores Supermarket with multiple branches across Kenya.
Ngina Kenyatta
- Background: Only daughter of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- Ventures: Founder and owner of Green Experience restaurant in Kiambu County, known for its classic and modern facilities, excellent ambiance, and quality meals.
Conclusion
These young entrepreneurs have demonstrated resilience and innovation by stepping out of their families’ shadows to build their own successful ventures. Their stories reflect a commitment to personal growth and independence, contributing significantly to Kenya’s dynamic business landscape.
