Indian business tycoons known for their contribution to Kenya’s economy

Indians have historically played an integral part in Kenya’s development including their struggle for independence. Many of these Indians arrived in Kenya in the early 19th Century. They worked as traders, farmers and on the railway system that the British were building in east Africa.

Today, Indians living in Kenya are mainly engaged in construction, metal, and retail businesses. Some work in banks too. Majority of them have seen immense success and are even place in top positions within the government. Being considerably wealthier than a majority of the non-Asian Kenyans, many have been known for philanthropy and contributions towards the country’s socio- economic fabric.

Notable few in the recent times include:

Narendra Raval, Devki Group, named by Forbes as Africa’s Richest, is popularly referred to as ‘Guru’, has investments in steel, aluminium and cement. Raval, born in India has served as an assistant priest at a Swaminarayan temple before relocating to Kenya to serve in another temple. He was expelled from the sect when he married a Kenyan woman and decided to take up a job in a small steel factory where he learnt steelmaking. In 1986, pulling together his savings started the now known ‘Devki Group’ along with his wife. Raval is a devoted philanthropist and had recently openly proclaimed that if need arises; he is ready to pledge all his assets to save the country and people of Kenya. 

Manu Chandaria is the chairman of Comcraft group and is estimated to be worth Ksh 27 billion. Chandaria also chairs boards of many governments and non-governmental organisations in the country.  With Comcraft operating in more than 11 African countries, the Chandaria family has also set up charitable trusts in each of these countries to assist in their philanthropic activities. As the chairman of the Chandaria Foundation he is at the forefront of the charitable work of the family. He is the benefactor of numerous schools and clinics in Kenya and has been involved with more than 25 organisations.

Bhimji Depar Shah founded Bidco Industries in 1970 to manufacture garments and sooner the company ventured into production of soaps. In 1991, it launched an edible oil manufacturing plant in Thika, an industrial town northeast of Nairobi. Today, Bidco is one of the largest manufacturers of edible oils in Kenya. The company also manufactures hygiene products like detergents, beauty soaps, and baking powders and edible oils, grossing over $300 million in annual revenues. Bidco’s products are marketed in 13 African countries. Bidco had recently launched a $200 million industrial park in Kiambu which is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs throughout the Bidco distribution chain.

Jayesh Saini of Kenya, a second-generation Kenyan who is the founder of Bliss Healthcare, Clinix and Dinlas Pharmaceuticals started his career in the medical field with wise guidance from his father, a medical practitioner who started the Nairobi West Hospital. Jayesh Saini’s vision is to provide quality healthcare to Kenya through his wide network of hospitals. He had also been instrumental in bringing in the SPUTNIK vaccine as alternate vaccination in Kenya. Jayesh Saini’s organizations, especially Bliss Healthcare offers scholarships for staff in various medical courses. There are numerous philanthropic activities conducted by their subsidiary organizations, however; it believes in the mantra of never overstating charity activities in the public.

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