Nakuru County, a vibrant region in Kenya, is home to some of the nation’s most affluent individuals. This article delves into the lives and fortunes of the richest people in Nakuru County, highlighting their estimated net worth in both Kenyan Shillings and US Dollars, and the industries that propelled them to wealth.
1. Gideon Moi – KSh 85 Billion / $550 Million
Gideon Moi, son of Kenya’s second president Daniel arap Moi, has substantial investments in various sectors, including agriculture, real estate, and media. He serves as the chairman of the Governing Council at Africa International University and holds positions in several financial institutions.
2. Peter Mukuha Kago – KSh 45.6 Billion / $379 Million
Peter Mukuha Kago was the founder of Naivas Supermarket, one of Kenya’s leading retail chains. Starting from a small shop in Rongai, Nakuru, Naivas has expanded nationwide, contributing significantly to the region’s economy.
3. Tabitha Karanja – KSh 8.5 Billion / $70 Million
Tabitha Karanja, the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, stands out as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Nakuru County. Established in 1997 with her husband Joseph Karanja, Keroche Breweries has grown to become Kenya’s second-largest alcoholic beverage producer, accounting for over 20% of the country’s beer consumption.
4. Eliakim Washington Olweny – KSh 2.5 Billion / $20 Million
The late Eliakim Olweny was a reclusive billionaire who owned Evans Sunrise Hospital in Nakuru. His investments in healthcare and real estate played a vital role in Nakuru’s development. The late Olweny died of cancer on November 28 2016 but could not be buried because two of his three widows filed a suit blocking his burial, claiming they had been locked out of burial arrangements by their co-wife.
Norah Olweny and Annah Wanjiru, the second and third wife respectively, filed the case before Senior Resident Magistrate Faith Munyi seeking temporary orders to stop the burial.
Renowned Nakuru businessman Eliakim Washington Olweny was buried under tight security in a brief and tense dawn ceremony at his home in Ugenya, Ukwala following weeks of wrangling among his three wives.
5. Beatrice Chebet – KSh 130 Million / $1 Million
Beatrice Chebet is a renowned long-distance runner from Kenya, specializing in the 5000m and 10,000m events. She has achieved significant success on the international stage, including winning gold medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Her earnings from competitions and endorsements have contributed to her estimated net worth.
6. Samuel Kiprono – KSh 600 Million / $5 Million
Samuel Kiprono has made his fortune through large-scale farming and agribusiness in Nakuru County. His farms produce a significant portion of the region’s agricultural exports.
7. Michael Otieno – KSh 500 Million / $4 Million
Michael Otieno is a real estate mogul in Nakuru County, responsible for developing several residential and commercial properties that have transformed the county’s landscape.
8. James Mwaura – KSh 400 Million / $3.2 Million
James Mwaura is a prominent businessman in Nakuru County, with interests in agriculture and real estate. His ventures have significantly contributed to the county’s economic growth.
9. Grace Wanjiku – KSh 300 Million / $2.5 Million
Grace Wanjiku is a successful entrepreneur in Nakuru, known for her investments in the hospitality industry. She owns several hotels and resorts that attract both local and international tourists.
10. Lucy Njeri – KSh 200 Million / $1.6 Million
Lucy Njeri is an influential figure in Nakuru’s education sector, owning a chain of private schools and colleges that offer quality education to thousands of students.
This comprehensive overview of the richest people in Nakuru County showcases the diverse industries and entrepreneurial spirit that drive the region’s economy. From industrialists to real estate moguls, these individuals have significantly contributed to Nakuru’s growth and development.
Here’s a list of individuals and families often associated with wealth in Nakuru County, though not necessarily ranked by net worth:
- The Delamere Family: Known for their extensive land ownership and agricultural ventures, they were among the first to invest heavily in Nakuru.
- Said Abdallah Azubedi: A prominent figure in Nakuru’s business scene.
- Richard Ingram Crawford: Another early investor and a key figure in Nakuru’s development.
- The Late Eliakim Washington Olweny: A surveyor with significant property holdings in Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kisumu.
- Tabitha Karanja: Founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries.
- The Late Kariu Nyange: A wealthy businessman with a sawmill and properties in Njoro, Nakuru, Gilgil, and other areas.
- Heirs of Washington Olweny: His children and widows are currently involved in legal battles over his estate.
- Naka Estate Residents: This estate is known for its affluent residents, though the specific individuals are not publicly identified.
- Other Business Owners: Nakuru has a thriving business community, and many individuals own significant enterprises in various sectors.
- Landowners: Extensive land ownership is a common source of wealth in Nakuru, and several families and individuals hold large tracts of land.
