Hasmukh Dawda is a notable businessman, entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions in Uganda and Kenya. Here are the key aspects of his background, education, career, and other responsibilities:
Background and Education:
- Birth and Family: Hasmukh Dawda was born in 1950 in Ndere Village, Siaya County, Kenya, to a family of modest means. He grew up with ten siblings.
- Education: He attended Ndere Primary School but had to drop out at the age of 13 due to financial constraints, as his family couldn’t afford school fees.
Career Journey:
- Early Business Ventures: Despite dropping out of school, Dawda ventured into business at a young age. He started by hawking confectionery and later took up a job offered by an Indian shopkeeper, earning Sh150 per month.
- Entrepreneurship: By the age of 19, he had saved enough money to make a down-payment on a pickup truck worth KSh5,000, paying the balance in installments. He also opened a retail shop in his hometown of Ndere.
- Business Expansion: In 1970, Dawda began processing molasses at rented premises using his own equipment. He established good relations with local farmers to directly source raw materials. By 1975, he built Uholo Factory, a jaggery (molasses) factory, which remains operational.
- Establishment of Companies: In 1985, Dawda founded Jambo Biscuits Limited, specializing in confectionery production, under the House of Dawda Group of Companies.
- Expansion to Uganda: In the mid-1990s, Dawda moved to Uganda and established Britannia Allied Industries Limited. This company processes fresh fruit into fruit juice, manufactures sauces and seasonings, bottles mineral water, and produces confectioneries.
- Acquisition and Revival: In 2002, Dawda used his assets in Uganda to acquire House of Manji, a struggling confectionery manufacturer in Kenya. He injected funds into the business, successfully reviving it.
Philanthropy and Personal Life:
- Philanthropic Activities: While specific details are limited, Dawda is known to be actively involved in philanthropic endeavors in both Uganda and Kenya, contributing to community development and social causes.
- Personal Life: Hasmukh Dawda is married.
Conclusion:
Hasmukh Dawda’s entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful industrialist and businessman exemplifies perseverance and business acumen. His ventures in Kenya and Uganda have not only contributed to economic development but also provided employment opportunities and contributed to the local economies. His commitment to philanthropy underscores his dedication to giving back to the community.
