Eldoret is a town located in the western region of Kenya, situated approximately 310 kilometers from the capital city, Nairobi. It is a vibrant town, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its thriving business community.

The town has been home to some of Kenya’s most prominent business tycoons, who have played a significant role in its growth and development over the years.

In this article, we will explore the stories of the business tycoons who built Eldoret town.

Kipkemoi arap Keino

One of the most notable figures in Eldoret’s business community is the late Kipkemoi arap Keino. He was an accomplished athlete who won two Olympic gold medals for Kenya, but he was also a successful entrepreneur who played a vital role in developing Eldoret.

Keino started his business career in the 1970s, running a small hotel in Eldoret. He later ventured into farming, establishing a large commercial farm that produced a wide range of crops, including tea, coffee, maize, and wheat. Keino’s success in business enabled him to make significant contributions to Eldoret’s development, including the construction of a modern sports complex that bears his name.

Jackson Mandago

Another prominent business tycoon who has made a significant contribution to Eldoret’s development is Jackson Mandago. Mandago is the current senator of Uasin Gishu County, which includes Eldoret town. Before entering politics, Mandago was a successful businessman who operated a large chain of supermarkets and retail stores in Eldoret.

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He used his business acumen to improve the town’s infrastructure and attract investors to the region. Under his leadership, Eldoret has seen significant growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and transport.

Ezekiel Bett

The late Ezekiel Bett is another notable figure in Eldoret’s business community. Bett was a successful entrepreneur who started his business career in the 1960s, running a small shop that sold basic goods. He later ventured into agriculture, establishing a large farm that produced a wide range of crops, including tea, coffee, and maize.

Bett’s success in business enabled him to make significant contributions to Eldoret’s development, including the construction of a modern hospital that has become a major healthcare facility in the region.

Naftaly Kimaiyo

The late Naftaly Kimaiyo was another successful businessman who played a significant role in Eldoret’s development. Kimaiyo was a prominent figure in the transport sector, owning a large fleet of buses and trucks that transported goods and passengers across the country.

He was also involved in real estate, owning several commercial and residential properties in Eldoret. Kimaiyo’s success in business enabled him to make significant contributions to the town’s development, including the construction of several roads and the establishment of a modern bus station.

Simon Choge

Simon Choge is another successful businessman who has made significant contributions to Eldoret’s development. Choge is the founder of the famous Choge Group of Companies, which operates a wide range of businesses, including real estate, transport, and agriculture.

Choge’s success in business has enabled him to make significant contributions to the town’s development, including the construction of several commercial and residential properties and the establishment of a modern dairy farm.

Moses Kiptanui

Finally, we have Moses Kiptanui, who was not only a successful athlete but also a successful businessman. Kiptanui was a renowned long-distance runner who won several medals for Kenya in various international competitions.

He later ventured into business, establishing a large farm that produced a wide range of crops, including tea, coffee, and maize. Kiptanui’s success in business enabled him to make significant contributions to Eldoret’s development, including the construction of several roads and the establishment of a modern hospital.