The Top 10 Richest Men in Kenya (2025)

Kenya’s economy continues to evolve, and with it, a growing number of individuals have built vast fortunes across various sectors including manufacturing, banking, real estate, agriculture, and media. While many of the country’s wealthy figures belong to powerful families, this list focuses on individuals whose personal ventures and strategic investments have elevated them to the top.

Let’s explore the top 10 richest men in Kenya in 2025, their net worth, and the industries that fuel their fortunes.

Top 10 Richest Men in Kenya (2025)

1. Sameer Naushad Merali – $790 million

2. Bhimji Depar Shah – $750 million

3. Jaswinder Singh Bedi – $680 million

4. Jimmy Wanjigi – $540 million

5. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta – $530 million

6. William Samoei Ruto – $450 million

7. Philip Moi – $350 million

8. Raila Amolo Odinga – $210 million

9. James Mwangi – $140 million

10. SK Macharia – $105 million

1. Sameer Naushad Merali

• Net Worth: $790 million
• Industry: Conglomerates (Sameer Group)

Sameer Merali tops the list in 2025, inheriting and expanding the business empire built by his late father, Naushad Merali. The Sameer Group holds interests in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, and real estate. Under Sameer’s leadership, the conglomerate has pushed further into regional markets and diversified its holdings, making him one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in East Africa.

2. Bhimji Depar Shah

• Net Worth: $750 million
• Industry: Manufacturing (Bidco Africa)

A self-made industrialist, Bhimji Shah is the founder of Bidco Africa, one of East Africa’s largest manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods. The company produces cooking oils, beverages, personal care products, and more. His keen focus on product diversification and supply chain efficiency has helped solidify Bidco’s position as a market leader across the continent.

3. Jaswinder Singh Bedi

• Net Worth: $680 million
• Industry: Textiles (Bedi Investments Ltd)

Jaswinder Singh Bedi has built his fortune in the textile industry. He chairs Bedi Investments Ltd, one of the largest integrated textile manufacturers in Africa. Known for high standards in cotton processing and textile exports, Bedi has played a key role in revitalizing Kenya’s textile sector, contributing to job creation and sustainable industrial growth.

4. Jimmy Wanjigi

• Net Worth: $540 million
• Industry: Real Estate, Infrastructure, Finance

Known for his low profile yet immense influence, Jimmy Wanjigi is a seasoned businessman with deep roots in real estate, infrastructure, and government procurement. He owns a number of valuable properties and has been linked to major construction and technology tenders. His wealth is said to be strategically diversified and largely held in both public and private companies.

5. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta

• Net Worth: $530 million
• Industry: Dairy, Banking, Education (Brookside, NCBA, Peponi School

The former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, continues to be a major figure in business. He holds significant stakes in Brookside Dairy (the region’s leading milk processor), Peponi School (a private educational institution), NCBA Bank (a top-tier Kenyan bank), and several healthcare and real estate firms. His strategic business positioning has cemented his place among Kenya’s wealth elite.

6. William Samoei Ruto

• Net Worth: $450 million
• Industry: Agriculture, Real Estate, Hospitality

President William Ruto has steadily grown his wealth through diverse holdings. With a strong background in agriculture and business, his portfolio includes expansive farms, hospitality investments, and real estate ventures across Nairobi and the Rift Valley. His rise from humble beginnings to the presidency and business success story is a hallmark of Kenya’s potential for upward mobility.

7. Philip Moi

• Net Worth: $350 million
• Industry: Land Holdings, Investments

Philip Moi, the son of Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, holds vast land and business assets. While much of the Moi family's wealth is generational, Philip has actively managed and invested his share into financial ventures, land development, and partnerships with multinationals, giving him independent standing on this list.

8. Raila Amolo Odinga

• Net Worth: $210 million
• Industry: Energy, Manufacturing, Real Estate

Raila Odinga, a veteran politician and businessman, has maintained significant private interests in East Africa’s energy and manufacturing sectors. He’s been linked to major infrastructure projects, import/export businesses, and development of commercial properties. His influence stretches beyond politics into business, where he’s seen as a quiet powerhouse.

9. James Mwangi

• Net Worth: $140 million
• Industry: Banking, Finance (Equity Group Holdings)

Dr. James Mwangi is the CEO of Equity Group Holdings, Kenya’s most innovative and fastest-growing bank. Under his leadership, Equity has expanded to multiple African countries and embraced digital banking solutions. Mwangi’s shares in the company and strategic investments in tech and education contribute significantly to his net worth.

10. SK Macharia

• Net Worth: $105 million
• Industry: Media (Royal Media Services)

Samuel Kamau (SK) Macharia is the founder of Royal Media Services, home to Citizen TV and numerous radio stations across the country. He revolutionized the media landscape in Kenya by targeting mass audiences and offering local-language content. His media empire gives him both financial and social capital unmatched in East African broadcasting.

Conclusion

Kenya’s wealthiest individuals have built their fortunes by capitalizing on the country’s economic opportunities, often starting in traditional sectors and diversifying into tech, finance, and infrastructure. While some names have benefited from family legacies or political ties, each has made substantial business decisions that solidified their personal financial standing.

As Kenya continues to grow as a hub for innovation and investment in Africa, it's likely that new names will emerge on this list—especially from sectors like fintech, renewable energy, and digital services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is the richest person in Kenya in 2025?

The richest individual in Kenya in 2025 is Sameer Naushad Merali, with an estimated net worth of $790 million, primarily from his leadership of the Sameer Group, which has investments in multiple sectors including manufacturing, real estate, and telecommunications.

2. Are there any politicians on the list of Kenya’s richest people?

Yes. Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, both former and current presidents of Kenya, appear on the list due to their significant personal investments in banking, agriculture, real estate, and other business ventures.

3. What industries produce the most wealthy individuals in Kenya?

The wealthiest Kenyans typically derive their fortunes from manufacturing, real estate, banking, agriculture, telecommunications, and media. In recent years, technology and finance have also begun producing high-net-worth individuals.

4. Is the list based on individuals or families?

This list focuses strictly on individual net worth, not collective family fortunes. While some individuals come from wealthy families, their positions on this list are based on their personal control of assets and business operations.

5. How accurate are the net worth figures?

Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available data, insider business reports, media coverage, and expert analysis. Because many Kenyan business deals and assets are privately held, actual net worth may vary.

6. Is Jimmy Wanjigi a businessman or a politician?

Jimmy Wanjigi is primarily known as a business magnate, although he has recently shown interest in politics. His wealth stems from real estate, infrastructure, and finance.

7. Which Kenyan made their wealth without political influence or inheritance?

Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank, is widely regarded as a self-made billionaire. His rise from a humble background to leading one of Africa’s biggest banks is often cited as a true rags-to-riches story.

8. Are there any women on the list of richest individuals in Kenya?

As of 2025, no individual woman features in the top 10 richest individuals based on public data. However, several wealthy women are rising through business, banking, and entrepreneurship, and may soon make future lists.

9. How can someone become wealthy in Kenya today?

Wealth in Kenya today is commonly built through strategic entrepreneurship, investments in land and real estate, technology startups, banking, and regional trade. Education, innovation, and networking are critical.

10. Where can I get updated rankings for Kenyan billionaires?

You can follow credible business news outlets like Forbes Africa, Business Daily Africa, Nation Media, and Capital FM Business for annual updates and deep dives into Kenya’s wealthiest individuals.