Ukambani, a region in southeastern Kenya, is home to numerous influential individuals who have left an indelible mark on the business world. These successful entrepreneurs have amassed considerable wealth by diversifying their investments across various sectors, thus significantly contributing to the region’s economic growth. In this article, we will delve into the life stories and business endeavours of the 7 Richest People in Ukambani who are the wealthiest tycoons in Ukambani.
Peter Muthoka
Peter Muthoka, hailing from Machakos, is a prominent figure in the business world. As the founder and CEO of Acceler Global Logistics, one of Kenya’s foremost transport and logistics companies, Muthoka has made substantial investments across various sectors. Acceler Global Logistics boasts a sterling reputation as a global logistics company, offering a wide array of services, including freight logistics, road transport, warehousing, and clearing and forwarding. Acceler has solidified its position as a key industry player through a strategic partnership with Hellman Global Logistics.
But Muthoka’s influence extends beyond logistics; he has strategically invested in some of Kenya’s largest corporations, showcasing his diverse business acumen. He was the largest individual shareholder in CMC Motors, a renowned automobile distribution firm. In 2014, he made headlines when he sold his stake in the company to the esteemed Al-Futtaim Group of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a staggering sum of nearly KSh. 2 billion.
David Masika
David Masika, a native of Makueni County, has made an indelible mark on Kenya’s real estate industry. As the driving force behind Lloyd Masika Limited, a company he co-founded in 1979 alongside his European colleague John Lloyd, Masika has established himself as a prominent figure in luxurious properties. With over 40 years of operation, Lloyd Masika Limited has solidified its position as a mainstay in Kenya’s real estate landscape. The company boasts an impressive portfolio that includes some of the most prestigious properties in the country. Among the notable listings handled by Lloyd Masika are Telposta Towers, Crossroad Mall, Sarit Centre, The Mall, Corner House, Stanbank House, Parklands Plaza, Galana Plaza, Barclays Plaza, and many more.
Additionally, the management of Norfolk Towers in Nairobi falls under the purview of Lloyd Masika Real Estate Firm. Lloyd Masika Limited also offers rental services for various upscale apartments. Some of the notable apartments under their management include Nanu Apartments off Chaka Road, Longonot Apartments, Norfolk Towers, Arboville Apartments, Nabro Apartments, Duncan Court, Opal Court off State House Road, and Stands Apartments on Dennis Pritt Road. Masika’s illustrious career extends beyond real estate; he has held influential positions on the boards of several parastatals, showcasing his leadership and business acumen. His notable appointments include serving as the Managing Trustee of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Managing Director of Tana & Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), and the Chairman of esteemed institutions such as Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), and the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC). Furthermore, Masika serves as the Chairman of Cheshire Disability Services (Kenya) and holds board memberships in K-Rep Bank, Nairobi Hospital, and Pioneer Holdings Limited.
Kalonzo Musyoka
Kalonzo Musyoka is a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, having served as the former vice president of the Republic of Kenya during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration. With a political career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a seasoned politician and statesman. Beyond his political endeavours, Kalonzo is also a shrewd businessman with a diverse portfolio of investments. One notable asset is a vast 300-acre parcel of land in Yatta, showcasing his interest in land ownership and agriculture. In addition to his land holdings, Kalonzo has made significant investments in the real estate sector. His impressive portfolio includes a fleet of apartments in Nairobi. Among his notable real estate assets is his Karen residence, estimated to be worth around Sh. 800 million. Not one to shy away from luxury, Kalonzo is the proud owner of a Eurocopter helicopter worth Sh. 200 million.
John Harun Mwau
John Harun Mwau, shrouded in mystery, hails from Kilungu in Kaitu, Makueni County, and is widely regarded as the wealthiest individual in Ukambani. Despite his elusive persona, Mwau’s financial prowess has gained significant attention. According to a Forbes article, he purportedly held a 7.7% stake in Nakumatt, a prominent retail chain, which he allegedly sold in 2016 for $10 million. However, Mwau remained tight-lipped about these reports, neither confirming nor denying them. According to Olympics.com, Mwau’s vast wealth is believed to have been accumulated through his involvement as a director in several companies, including Vitu Ltd, Tom Brown Ltd, Kuston Kenya Ltd, JN Records Ltd, Pepe Enterprises Limited, Harun International Limited, Africa Center for Hope Initiative Everywhere, and Alleged Drug Trafficking. In 2011, Mwau found himself at the center of controversy when the United States government accused him of being a narcotics kingpin in Kenya. However, Mwau vehemently denied these allegations, claiming they were merely a ploy to undermine his businesses, which are allegedly worth over $750 million. Authorities in the US or the local area have not yet provided evidence to support these claims.
Mike Mbuvi Sonko
In a recent interview with a local TV station, the former Nairobi County Governor confirmed his ownership of more than 1,000 land parcels, each of which came with a title deed. If we conservatively estimate the value of each plot at Ksh 1 million, the total worth of his land holdings would reach a staggering Ksh 1 billion. Moreover, Sonko’s financial portfolio includes a fixed deposit account boasting an impressive Ksh 5 billion in cash.
Sonko has strategically diversified his investments, with significant stakes in real estate, matatu transportation, and the wine & spirits industry. His entrepreneurial journey began well before he entered politics, with a notable presence in the pub business in Eastlands and Mombasa and active involvement in the matatu business. The revenue generated from his pubs during a single weekend often amounted to an impressive Ksh 5 million.
Sonko’s diverse investments showcase his business understanding and commitment to building a multifaceted financial portfolio.
Chris Musau
Chris Musau, a Machakos businessman and the owner of Maanzoni Lodge, has emerged as a prominent figure in the hospitality industry. Although his entry into this sector was accidental, he has established a reputable name for himself through the success of Maanzoni Lodge, a resort he inaugurated in 2011. Nestled on 28 acres of land, this remarkable establishment is situated off the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway. Chris Musau garnered attention recently with his acquisition of the iconic 680 Hotel, located in the heart of Nairobi’s city center, for an estimated sum of Sh1.2 billion. In the past, Musau demonstrated his astute business acumen by profiting from a land deal. Through a combination of local lenders, personal savings, and family resources, he acquired an impressive 10,000 acres of land. Subsequently, he strategically sold off a significant portion of the land, including parcels, to his late brother-in-law, Mr. Kilonzo. The genesis of Musau’s hotel brand can be traced back to his sale of Nova Supermarkets, a venture he had previously owned. Following this transaction, he ventured into the hotel industry as a leisure pursuit.
Johnstone Muthama
Johnstone Nduya Muthama, a prominent Kenyan businessman and politician, has left his mark in various industries. While he recently served as the chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) before his resignation, Muthama’s entrepreneurial ventures extend far beyond politics. With investments in real estate, agriculture, and tourism, he has established himself as a successful and diversified businessman. One of Muthama’s notable areas of expertise lies in the mining industry. His mining investments have significantly contributed to his wealth, making him one of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals. Through his company, Muthama Gemstone (K) Ltd, founded in July 1990, he deals in precious stones such as gold, rubies, and opal. With mining assets in Tsavo and interests in Tanzania, Muthama has tapped into Asian markets, particularly Thailand, where there is a ready market for these valuable gemstones. In addition to his mining endeavors, Muthama has also ventured into the real estate business. Under his company, Rockstone Properties Ltd, he has made strategic investments in the lucrative real estate sector. Moreover, he owns Nduya Muthama Holdings, another prominent player in the real estate industry. Beyond mining and real estate, Muthama has diversified his portfolio with Nina Marie Ltd, a clothing venture specialising in the retail sale of clothing, footwear, and leather in specialised stores.
You now know the 7 Richest People in Ukambani, ie Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties.
