Kenyatta family has built a multi billion business empire that is likely to withstand the test of times

They say deep pockets rule the world but some pockets such as those of the Kenyatta family are definitely deeper than most of the pockets combined.

The Kenyatta family has built a multi billion business empire that is likely to withstand the test of times not only in the history of the republic of Kenya but also in foreign countries where they have established various investments.

Simply put, the Kenyatta family is one of the richest families in Kenya and will remain so for the next 350 years even if they stopped engaging in economic activities/business today.

Currently, the first family with a net  worth of $530 million (Sh60 billion) owns a number of successful businesses in the country as listed below:

1). NCBA Bank

Previously, the Kenyatta family owned the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) which was a mid-tier bank before merging with the Ndegwa family’s NIC Bank to form NCBA Group. According to biznaKenya, The Kenyattas control about 13.2 percent of the new entity valued at Sh. 6.6 billion. This 13.2 percent of the new entity slightly surpasses the 11.75 percent stake that the family of the late Phillip Ndegwa owns in the merged business.

2). Heritage Group of Hotels

a). Voyager Beach Resort in Mombasa.  Rooms here vary from Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 40,000 depending on the season. The hotel has extra amenities such as a water sports center, different entertainment experiences, four bars and a 24 hour lounge, 3 swimming pools including a whirlpool, fun kid’s games and family entertainment and shows such as acrobatics, comedy and music.

b). Kipunguani Explorer Beach Hotel in Lamu.

It is a 12 kilometer white sandy beach of the Indian ocean comprising 13 luxurious spaces. A night at the hotel might cost up to Ksh. 110,000 depending on the season. Some of the activities available include kayaking safaris, fishing adventures, seafood testing, windsurfing, snorkeling with dolphins and learning more about the traditional Arab culture and the historical background of the coastal town.

c). Mara Explorer Camp

This is located at the Maasai Mara National Park and is a five star camp with  luxurious tents facing River Talek. 7 of the tents are modified with queen-sized beds while the remaining 3 have twin beds. A night at the hotel will cost up to Ksh 60,000 per tent. Some of the activities available include a hot air balloon ride to enjoy the sunrise or sunsets, game drive inside the Mara and a supervised nature walk at no extra cost.

d). Voyager Ziwani

This hotel is situated in Taita Taveta County on the western part of Tsavo national park offering a rare view of huge hippopotamus, turtles and crocodiles  from River Sante. From afar, you are able to see the magnificent peak of Mount Kilimanjaro which is just across the border of Kenya and Tanzania. A night in the hotel might cost up to Ksh 20,000 depending on the season. The hotel also has its own airstrip that can be accessed from Nairobi or Mombasa. It has free Wi-Fi, day and night game drives inside the Tsavo West National Park and a visit to the World War 1 and 2 battle sites.

e). Mara Intrepid

It’s also located inside Maasai Mara national park along River Talek. It has new refurbished tents with four king-size beds in each tent. The camp has its own airstrip that connects Nairobi city in just a 45 minute flight. A night in one of the tents may cost up to Ksh 50,000 per person. It is a good destination for people who are not afraid of wild animals and dark places.

f).Great Rift Valley Lodge, a posh hotel located 24km from Naivasha town. It has an 18 hole championship golf course, its own airstrip and a perfect view of nature. You will also find swimming pools, cycling/jogging paths, tennis courts, restaurants and if you are a fan of bush breakfast, you will get some here.

3). Thousand Of Acres Of Land

The Kenyatta Family owns thousands of acres of land spread out in Gatundu, Dagoretti area, Kahawa Sukari, Nakuru, Taita Taveta, Naivasha, Karen, Rongai, and in the Rift Valley. The tracts are held under different family members including Kenya’s first-lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Grace Wahu – Jomo Kenyatta’s first wife, and Beth Mugo – the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s niece

The land which is estimated to be at least 500,000 acres across the country was acquired by Jomo Kenyatta in the 1960s and 1970s when the British colonial government and the World Bank funded a settlement transfer fund scheme that enabled government officials and wealthy Kenyans to acquire land from the British at very low prices.

4). Diary Products

The Kenyatta family also owns the Brookside Dairies that supplies milk to many regions in Kenya and some Eastern African nations. Brookside was set up in 1993 and is the current leader in the market with regards to milk processing and allied products.

They have further acquired more dairy companies such as Ilara, Delamere, Buzeki (Molo) Milk and Kilifi dairy brands.

5). 13 Offshore companies

The Kenyatta family has offshore investments, including a company with stocks and bonds worth $30m (£22m) according to the recent Pandora papers.

6). Media

The family owns Mediamax Network Ltd, which they acquired from Rose Kimotho. Mediamax is the holding company of the People Daily Newspaper, Tv stations (Kameme and K24) Radio stations ( Emoo FM, Milele FM, Kameme FM, Msenangu (formerly Pilipili FM), Mayian FM and Meru FM).

7). Other Businesses

Beta Healthcare, Timsales Holdings, Gicheha Farm located in Nakuru, Chartis/AIG Insurance and Peponi School.

The Kenyatta family business empire is run by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta and first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

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