Top 10 Richest Families in Kenya (2025)

Kenya is home to several powerful families whose wealth spans decades, industries, and continents. These dynasties have built vast empires through political influence, savvy investments, and entrepreneurial grit. From real estate and manufacturing to banking and media, these families are not just wealthy—they're instrumental in shaping Kenya's economy and its future.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 richest families in Kenya as of 2025, their estimated net worth, and the sectors where their influence is most visible.

Top 10 Richest Families in Kenya (2025)

1. Moi Family ~ $3.0 billion

2. Kenyatta Family ~ $2.5 billion

3. Philip Ndegwa Family ~ $1.8 billion

4. Chandaria Family ~ $1.7 billion

5. Biwott Family ~ $1.1 billion

6. Sameer Naushad Merali Family ~ $790 million

7. Bhimji Depar Shah Family~ $750 million

8. Jaswinder Singh Bedi Family~ $680 million

9. Rai Family ~ $610 million

10. Patel Family (Ramco Group) ~ $550 million

1. Moi Family – $3.0 Billion

The wealth of the Moi family stems from former President Daniel arap Moi, who ruled for 24 years. The family has extensive investments in real estate, education (Kabarak University), media (Standard Group), banking (Transnational Bank), and agriculture.

2. Kenyatta Family – $2.5 Billion

Founded by Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, the family empire spans Brookside Dairy, NCBA Bank, Peponi School, and massive real estate holdings. Their influence is both economic and political, making them one of East Africa’s most powerful dynasties.

3. Philip Ndegwa Family – $1.8 Billion

The late Philip Ndegwa was a Central Bank governor and businessman. His family owns stakes in NCBA Bank, ICEA Lion Group, and has a strong real estate portfolio across Kenya and East Africa.

4. Chandaria Family – $1.7 Billion

Led by Manu Chandaria, the family controls Comcraft Group, a global manufacturing conglomerate with operations in over 40 countries, including in steel, plastics, and aluminum.

5. Biwott Family – $1.1 Billion

The family of the late Nicholas Biwott, a powerful businessman and former Cabinet Minister, owns prime Nairobi properties including Yaya Centre and has interests in energy, construction, and aviation.

6. Sameer Naushad Merali Family– $790 Million

Sameer Merali inherited the Sameer Group from his father Naushad Merali. The family’s interests include agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

7. Bhimji Depar Shah Family – $750 Million

Founder of Bidco Africa, Bhimji Shah has created a manufacturing empire producing consumer goods, from cooking oil to beverages, serving markets across East Africa.

8. Jaswinder Singh Bedi Family – $680 Million

Jas Bedi is one of the top figures in Kenya’s textile industry, owning Bedi Investments Ltd, which exports high-quality garments worldwide. He also chairs Kenya’s Export Promotion Council.

9. Rai Family – Estimated net worth: $610 million

The Rai family owns Kabras Sugar and several manufacturing and agro-processing companies under Rai Group. Their wealth comes from sugar, timber, packaging, and cement.

10. Patel Family (Ramco Group) – Estimated net worth: $550 million

Owners of Ramco Group, this family oversees one of East Africa’s most diversified conglomerates, operating in manufacturing, printing, packaging, and construction. Their businesses span Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, making them regional industrial heavyweights.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these net worth figures verified?

These are estimated based on publicly known business holdings, real estate, and historical financial disclosures. Actual net worth may vary.

2. Are political families always the richest in Kenya?

Not necessarily. While political power has helped some families accumulate wealth, others like the Chandarias and Shahs built their fortunes through private enterprise.

3. What industries produce the most billionaires in Kenya?

Banking, real estate, manufacturing, agriculture, and telecommunications are the most lucrative sectors for wealth creation in Kenya.

4. Are these families still actively involved in business?

Yes. Most families, particularly younger generations, continue to manage, expand, and diversify their portfolios both locally and internationally.

5. How do these families impact Kenya’s economy?

Through employment, infrastructure development, and significant contributions to GDP, these families play a crucial role in national economic growth.