Kenya is home to over 125 billionaires, out of which 25 are women, according to a report by Knight Frank.
Most of the richest women in the country are from the Mount Kenya region. While some have built their wealth from scratch, others have inherited from their families.
Below is the list of the wealthiest women in Kenya.
- Mama Ngina Kenyatta
The former first lady of Kenya is regarded as the wealthiest woman in Kenya with investments across various sectors, including banking, agriculture, education, real estate, and hospitality, among others.
Some of the companies associated with the Kenyatta family are Brookside Dairy—which commands 60 percent of Kenya’s dairy market, Mediamax Network Limited, and Heritage Group of Hotels.
The family also holds a 13.2 percent stake in NCBA.
- Zarin Merali
Zarin is the wife to the late businessman Naushad Merali, founder of Sameer Group. The late businessman was one of the wealthiest individuals in Kenya and was once reported to have made Sh1.6 billion in just an hour due to his sharp business mind.
Merali, who had been featured countless times on the Forbes list as one of the richest people in Africa, had investments across agriculture, real estate, and banking, among others.
The family controls 74.06 percent of Sameer Africa, 65.46 percent of Sasini Tea, and 5.2 percent of NCBA Group.
List of richest people in Africa, their networth and source of wealth
- Mary-Ann Musangi
Mary Ann is the daughter of the late billionaire businessman Chris Kirubi. She oversees the Kirubi family estate which spans across real estate,insurance, communication and banking, among others.
The family holds shares in Centum Investment Plc, KCB Group, Haco Industries, and Capital Media Group, among others.
- Leah Wanjiku Muguku
Leah Wanjiku is the kin of the late business magnate Nelson Muguku. The former teacher manages the Muguku Poultry farm which has the capacity to hatch 500,000 chicks daily. It also hosts dairy cows and an orchard.
Besides agriculture, Wanjiku owns the high-end Sh3 billion Waterfront Mall in Karen, Nairobi and holds a 0.9 percent stake in Equity Group Holdings.
- Amarjeet Patel
Her business interests span across manufacturing, banking, and real estate. Through Aksaya Investment Holdings, she holds 49.9 percent of Carbacid Investments Plc, owns stakes in the Co-operative Bank of Kenya.
She also has major holdings in Williamson Tea, Bamburi Cement, and Sanlam Kenya Plc.
- Jane Wangui Njuguna
Jane Wangui Njuguna is the wife of Equity Group Holdings managing director James Mwangi. Reportedly, she controls a 1.62 percent stake at Equity Group valued at over Sh3 billion.
Additionally, she co-owns investment firm Filimbi Ltd with Equity Group’s founder Peter Munga and also maintains notable investments in Britam Holdings.
- Jane Wanjiru Michuki
Jane Michuki, the managing partner at Kimani and Michuki Advocates, is a major player on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) with significant shares. She also holds a 7.1 percent stake in Britam Insurance.
