Kisii and Nyamira counties are emerging as vibrant economic powerhouses in Kenya’s Western region. With thriving sectors in transport, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, agribusiness, and construction, many of the region’s most successful individuals have risen from humble beginnings to become multimillionaires and billionaires. Here’s a look at the top 25 richest individuals from the Gusii region as of 2025.
The World’s Billionaires is an annual ranking of people who are billionaires, i.e., they are considered to have a net worth of US$1 billion or more, by the American business magazine Forbes. The list was first published in March 1987.[1] The total net worth of each individual on the list is estimated and is cited in United States dollars, based on their documented assets and accounting for debt and other factors. Royalty and dictators whose wealth comes from their positions are excluded from these lists.[3] This ranking is an index of the wealthiest documented individuals, excluding any ranking of those with wealth that is not able to be completely ascertained.[4]
In 2018, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was ranked at the top for the first time and became the first centibillionaire included in the ranking,[5] surpassing Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who had topped the list 18 of the previous 24 years.[6] In 2022, after topping the list for four years, Bezos was surpassed by Elon Musk.[7] In 2023, Musk was in turn surpassed by French businessman Bernard Arnault, after topping the list for just a year. Arnault became the first French person to top the list.[8] In 2025, Musk once again became the wealthiest man in the list after surpassing Arnault.
1. Simeon Nyachae Family
Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 billion (KES 330 billion)
The Nyachae family tops the list with a legacy of generational wealth. The late Simeon Nyachae was a powerful politician and businessman with vast investments in banking, real estate, flour milling (Swan and Kabansora), aviation, farming, and international markets including London, South Africa, and the U.S.
2. Evans Nyagaka Anyona – Founder, ENA Coach
Estimated Net Worth: $300 million (KES 39.6 billion)
Evans Anyona is a self-made transport mogul and founder of ENA Coach. From modest beginnings in the matatu business, he went on to co-found Transline before establishing ENA Coach, which now operates one of the most efficient fleets in Kenya.
3. Ouru Brothers – Founders, Ouru Superstores
Estimated Net Worth: $150 million (KES 19.8 billion)
The Ouru brothers transformed a small hardware business into a multi-billion-shilling enterprise. Their ventures span across supermarkets, real estate, construction materials, and hospitality, including La Serena Hotel which was formerly their family home.
4. Prof. Sam Ongeri
Estimated Net Worth: $100 million (KES 13.2 billion)
A seasoned politician and academic, Prof. Ongeri’s wealth stems from real estate, agriculture, and banking. His family includes a high-profile Wall Street banker and senior professionals in engineering and healthcare.
5. Amin Shamsudin – Jiwa Shamji Ltd
Estimated Net Worth: $90 million (KES 11.9 billion)
As the head of Jiwa Shamji Ltd, Amin has built one of the most prominent construction companies in the region. The company specializes in infrastructure development, stone crushing, and vehicle dealerships across multiple counties.
6. James Ongwae – Former Kisii Governor
Estimated Net Worth: $80 million (KES 10.6 billion)
James Ongwae leveraged his political influence to build wealth through real estate, business consulting, and private investments. He remains an influential figure in Kisii’s economic development.
7. Hon. Stephen Kengere Manoti
Estimated Net Worth: $70 million (KES 9.2 billion)
Manoti, a trained banker and former legislator, is involved in expansive real estate development and business across Nairobi, Kisii, and Western Kenya.
8. Hon. Christopher Obure
Estimated Net Worth: $60 million (KES 7.9 billion)
A former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, Obure invested his political capital into real estate, farming, and regional business ventures.
9. Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i
Estimated Net Worth: $50 million (KES 6.6 billion)
The former Interior CS is a private investor in agribusiness and high-value real estate. His earnings and property holdings have made him one of Kisii’s wealthiest figures. He owns The Naivas Mall Kisii, The biggest Mall in the Town.
10. Hon. Ben George Orori Momanyi
Estimated Net Worth: $45 million (KES 5.9 billion)
A former MP and businessman, Ben Momanyi owns BOM Hotels, BOM Properties, and other real estate holdings, including ventures in Diani, Mombasa, and Nairobi.
11. Jason Mosinga – JM Lavington Holdings
Estimated Net Worth: $40 million (KES 5.3 billion)
Jason Mosinga owns several firms, including JM Lavington Holdings and Deepack Petroleum Fuels. He also operates Halogen Group and is involved in real estate and fuel logistics.
12. Haron Kamau – Kamel Park Hotel
Estimated Net Worth: $35 million (KES 4.6 billion)
Kamau is the owner of the luxury Kamel Park Hotel, a premium property in Kisii. He also co-founded Transline and now operates Overseas Buses, expanding into transport and logistics.
13. Mogeni Ongenyo – Mogeni Tea Factory
Estimated Net Worth: $30 million (KES 3.9 billion)
A key player in Kenya’s tea sector, Mogeni Ongenyo owns the Mogeni Tea Factory and has investments in Mombasa and Nyamira, including shares in export firms.
14. Patrick & Isabella Lumumba – Ufanisi Resort
Estimated Net Worth: $25 million (KES 3.3 billion)
This power couple co-owns Ufanisi Resort, one of the top hotels in Kisii. Their hospitality brand is a local favorite for corporate and elite functions.
15. Dr. Ezekiel Orwenyo – Nyangena Hospitals
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million (KES 2.6 billion)
Dr. Orwenyo owns Nyangena Hospitals and several medical centers. He is also the developer of Pangani Limited Properties and Nyakongo Towers.
16. Joash Maangi – Former Kisii Deputy Governor
Estimated Net Worth: $5.3 million (KES 690 million)
Maangi owns a KES 50 million mansion in Tendere and another home in the U.S. He declared his wealth publicly during a past campaign.
17. Dr. Samson Omwenga – Diaspora Real Estate Developer
Estimated Net Worth: $5 million (KES 660 million)
Based in the United States, Dr. Omwenga has invested heavily in land development, construction, and rental properties in Kisii and Nairobi.
18. John Matiang’i – Senior Education Officer
Estimated Net Worth: $4 million (KES 528 million)
A top official in the Ministry of Education, John Matiang’i has real estate investments and is known for supporting rural education and development projects.
19. Ezekiel Ondari – Banana Cooperative Tycoon
Estimated Net Worth: $3.5 million (KES 462 million)
Ondari revolutionized Kisii’s banana trade by forming cooperatives that now dominate regional markets and supply chains across counties.
20. Zablon Mokua – Real Estate Mogul
Estimated Net Worth: $3 million (KES 396 million)
Mokua has built a diversified real estate empire across Kisii Town and its outskirts, capitalizing on the housing boom and commercial expansion.
21. Kennedy Ogeto – Legal Consultant
Estimated Net Worth: $2.8 million (KES 370 million)
A top lawyer and former Solicitor-General, Ogeto is involved in legal consultancy and investment in law firms and properties in Nairobi and Kisii.
22. Lilian Nyaboke – Soapstone Exporter
Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 million (KES 330 million)
Nyaboke is among the few female millionaires in the region, exporting soapstone carvings and crafts to Europe and Asia through her brand.
23. Samson Araka – Transport and Retail
Estimated Net Worth: $2.2 million (KES 290 million)
Araka runs a fleet of long-distance buses and owns several wholesale outlets in Kisii and Migori counties.
24. Dorcas Bosibori – Cosmetics Distributor
Estimated Net Worth: $2 million (KES 264 million)
Bosibori runs a thriving cosmetics distribution business and owns beauty retail stores across Western Kenya.
25. Joel Mose – High-End Developer
Estimated Net Worth: $1.8 million (KES 240 million)
Joel Mose’s developments include gated communities and upscale apartments catering to Kisii’s emerging middle class.
Conclusion
The rise of these 25 tycoons reflects the growing economic influence of Kisii and Nyamira counties. Their entrepreneurial drive and bold investments have not only transformed their lives but also empowered thousands through employment, infrastructure, and local development. The future looks promising as more investors rise from the fertile lands of Gusiiland.
