Kenya is home to a number of ultra-wealthy individuals and families who have built vast fortunes across sectors such as banking, manufacturing, real estate, agribusiness, and media. In 2025, the country’s economic elite continues to shape policy, influence markets, and create employment opportunities across East Africa.
This article explores the top 10 richest individuals and families in Kenya based on their estimated net worth, business portfolios, and economic influence.
1. The Moi Family – Estimated Net Worth: $3.0 Billion
The family of the late President Daniel arap Moi remains one of Kenya’s wealthiest dynasties. Their business interests include real estate, banking, education, and media. Notable assets include Kabarak University, the Standard Group (which owns KTN and The Standard), and Siginon Group, a logistics company.
According to reports from Business Radar, the Moi family’s wealth is diversified and continues to grow, particularly in the education and logistics sectors.
2. The Kenyatta Family – Estimated Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
The Kenyatta family, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and matriarch Mama Ngina Kenyatta, has extensive holdings in banking, dairy, education, and hospitality. Their flagship business, Brookside Dairy, dominates the East African milk industry. They also hold a significant stake in NCBA Bank and own the upscale Peponi School.
The family has consistently been ranked among the top richest in Kenya, with most of their wealth tied to long-standing investments in key sectors. A breakdown of their businesses is outlined in this Nation Africa feature.
3. The Chandaria Family – Estimated Net Worth: $1.8 Billion
Industrialist Manu Chandaria is one of Kenya’s most respected business figures. His family business, Comcraft Group, is a multinational manufacturing conglomerate with operations in over 40 countries. The company produces steel, aluminum, and plastics.
Chandaria is also known for his philanthropy through the Chandaria Foundation, which supports education and healthcare initiatives across the country. Learn more about his business philosophy in this Forbes Africa interview.
4. Sameer Merali – Estimated Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Sameer Merali is the heir to the empire built by the late Naushad Merali. He heads the Sameer Group, a conglomerate with interests in finance, construction, agriculture, and ICT. Key assets include Sameer Industrial Park and Daima Dairy.
Merali’s rise as one of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals was highlighted in a 2021 article by Business Daily Africa, which reported his inheritance of over Sh89 billion.
5. The Ndegwa Family – Estimated Net Worth: $1.6 Billion
Descendants of former Central Bank Governor Philip Ndegwa, this family owns a majority stake in ICEA Lion Group, one of Kenya’s largest insurance and asset management companies. They are also significant shareholders in NCBA Bank.
Their real estate portfolio includes high-end commercial developments in Nairobi such as Riverside Park. The family’s net worth was detailed in this Africa Report analysis.
6. Bhimji Depar Shah and Vimal Shah – Estimated Combined Net Worth: $2.3 Billion
Bhimji Depar Shah, founder of Bidco Africa, and his son Vimal Shah have built one of the region’s largest manufacturing empires. Bidco produces edible oils, beverages, soaps, and detergents and has expanded into other African markets.
Vimal Shah, a former chairman of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), has also served on several national development boards. The family’s business expansion is covered in CNBC Africa’s feature.
7. Narendra Raval – Estimated Net Worth: $950 Million
Known as “Guru,” Narendra Raval is the founder of Devki Group, a leading manufacturer of cement, steel, and roofing materials. He began as a Hindu priest before venturing into business and now oversees one of East Africa’s largest industrial empires.
Raval is also a noted philanthropist, having pledged to donate half of his wealth to charitable causes. Read his profile on Wikipedia for a comprehensive background.
8. Peter Munga – Estimated Net Worth: $800 Million
Peter Munga is the founding chairman of Equity Bank, which started as a rural building society and grew into one of Africa’s leading banks. He holds investments in agribusiness, insurance, and property.
Equity Bank’s success has been widely studied in African development circles and was recently highlighted in the World Bank’s case study.
Read also: Top richest musician in Kenya
9. The Biwott Family – Estimated Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
The family of the late Nicholas Biwott, a former cabinet minister and influential businessman, retains a significant fortune through investments in real estate, hospitality, and aviation. Assets include Yaya Centre and stakes in Air Kenya.
Though often low-profile, the family’s business footprint is notable. Learn more from this Nyongesa Sande article.
10. Chris Kirubi Family – Estimated Net Worth: $700 Million
Before his death in 2021, Chris Kirubi was one of Kenya’s most visible businessmen, with interests in Centum Investments, Capital FM, and real estate developments such as Two Rivers Mall. His daughter, Mary-Ann Musangi, now manages the estate.
Centum’s investments and Kirubi’s legacy were explored in depth in this Business Today piece.
Conclusion
The individuals and families listed above represent Kenya’s wealthiest elite in 2025. Their influence spans decades, and their business activities are central to Kenya’s economy. While some inherited wealth, others like Narendra Raval and Vimal Shah built fortunes through manufacturing and enterprise.
These tycoons not only control vast resources but also drive policy, create jobs, and shape national discourse. Their stories offer insight into what it takes to build and sustain wealth in one of Africa’s most dynamic economies.