Top 10 Richest Businessmen in Kenya

Kenya's business landscape has produced some incredibly wealthy and influential individuals who have built vast fortunes through sectors like banking, real estate, telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing. As of 2025, the following are the top 10 richest businessmen in Kenya — ranked by estimated net worth and known for their active role in expanding Kenya’s economy.

Top 10 Richest Businessmen in Kenya (2025)

1. Vimal Shah – KSh 140 Billion+

2. James Mwangi – KSh 95 Billion+

3. Sameer Naushad Merali – KSh 89 Billion+

4. Peter Munga – KSh 80 Billion+

5. Chris Kirubi (estate) – KSh 70 Billion+

6. Atul Shah – KSh 60 Billion+

7. John Harun Mwau – KSh 55 Billion+

8. Bhimji Depar Shah – KSh 50 Billion+

9. Jaswinder Bedi – KSh 42 Billion+

10. Humphrey Kariuki – KSh 40 Billion+

1. Vimal Shah – Net Worth: KSh 140 Billion+

Chairman of Bidco Africa, Vimal Shah transformed a family-run soap and oil business into a pan-African manufacturing giant with operations in over 16 countries.

2. James Mwangi – Net Worth: KSh 95 Billion+

CEO and Group Managing Director of Equity Group Holdings, Mwangi is one of Africa’s most successful banking executives, known for revolutionizing access to finance across the region.

3. Sameer Naushad Merali – Net Worth: KSh 89 Billion+

He inherited a sizeable empire from his father Naushad Merali, but Sameer now leads the Sameer Group with investments in agriculture, construction, and telecommunications.

4. Peter Munga – Net Worth: KSh 80 Billion+

A co-founder of Equity Bank, Munga played a key role in building one of Kenya’s largest and most profitable banking institutions. His wealth is largely tied to financial services and real estate.

5. Chris Kirubi (Estate managed by heirs) – Net Worth: KSh 70 Billion+

Although Kirubi passed away in 2021, his wealth was tied to Centum Investments, real estate, and media. Some of his assets are still managed under his name as legal proceedings continue.

6. Atul Shah – Net Worth: KSh 60 Billion+

Founder and former CEO of Nakumatt (before its collapse), Atul Shah still retains significant wealth from various investments, particularly in commercial real estate.

7. John Harun Mwau – Net Worth: KSh 55 Billion+

A former politician turned businessman, Mwau has wide-ranging investments in logistics, import-export, and real estate.

8. Bhimji Depar Shah – Net Worth: KSh 50 Billion+

Founder of Bidco Africa and father to Vimal Shah, Bhimji Shah built the foundation of the business empire that still dominates East Africa’s consumer goods market.

9. Jaswinder Bedi – Net Worth: KSh 42 Billion+

A major player in Kenya's textile and apparel industry, Bedi is the CEO of Bedi Investments and is active in trade policy as well as manufacturing.

10. Humphrey Kariuki – Net Worth: KSh 40 Billion+

An entrepreneur with interests in energy, beverages (Africa Spirits), and logistics, Kariuki is a controversial yet prominent figure in Kenya’s business elite.

Conclusion

These businessmen have carved their way into the top ranks of Kenya’s economy by taking risks, investing across diverse sectors, and in many cases, creating thousands of jobs. Whether through financial services, manufacturing, or real estate, their stories reflect both Kenya's business potential and the growing influence of African entrepreneurs on the global stage.