Top 10 Richest People in Kenya in 2026

The richest people in Kenya derive much of their wealth from manufacturing, banking, real estate, and media. While credible sources such as Forbes provide insights into their fortunes, exact figures are often private or based on estimates. 

In 2026, Manu Chandaria tops the list as the richest person in Kenya, followed by Mama Ngina Kenyatta. The rest of the ranking features seasoned industrialists, financiers, and political leaders, each illustrating how generational legacy, strategic diversification, and entrepreneurial drive have shaped substantial wealth in Kenya’s evolving economy.

Also Read: President William Ruto's Net Worth

Key Takeaways

• Manu Chandaria leads, with a global industrial footprint through Comcraft Group, his est. net worth is $1.7 Billion.
• Ngina Kenyatta, while famously private, anchors wealth in dairy (Brookside), banking (NCBA), media, and real estate. She is the richest woman in Kenya and second richest generally. Her net worth is $1 Billion. 
• Bhimji Depar Shah (Bidco) and Narendra Raval (Devki Group) reflect how manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Kenyan wealth - legacy and growth.
• Political lineage and business converge with names like Uhuru Kenyatta and James Mwangi playing dual roles in finance and governance.
• Female wealth, though less publicly transparent, is significant—Ngina Kenyatta stands out prominently.

Richest People in Kenya (2026 List)

10. Peter Munga

• Age: 83 years
• Residence: Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Co-founder, Equity Bank (via Jamii Bora), long-time investor
• Net Worth: $280 million
• Major Holdings: Equity Group stake, investments via Filimbi Ltd

Biography

Peter Munga co-founded Jamii Bora Savings and Credit, which evolved into Equity Bank—one of Africa’s largest retail banks. As an early driver of financial inclusion, Munga helped democratize banking access in Kenya. He also engages in investment ventures like Filimbi Ltd, often alongside his wife, James Mwangi. His influence spans finance, philanthropy, and banking innovation.

9. Samuel Kamau Macharia

• Age: 84 years
• Residence: Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Founder, Royal Media Services
• Net Worth: $320 million
• Major Holdings: Royal Media, Citizen TV and radio channels

Biography

S.K. Macharia founded Royal Media, becoming a dominant force in Kenyan broadcasting. From a small media outfit, he scaled to one of the country’s top TV and radio networks and ventured into finance and property. His journey blends vision with mass reach—informing public discourse and diversifying into other profitable avenues while maintaining his media stronghold.

8. Narendra Raval

• Age: ~64 (born 1962)
• Residence: Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Executive Chairman, Devki Group
• Net Worth: $400 million
• Major Holdings: Devki Group – cement, steel, aluminum manufacturing

Biography

Narendra Raval came to Kenya as a priest before transitioning into business. In 1986, he founded what became Devki Group, now a regional manufacturing giant in steel, cement, and aluminum, employing thousands. Known as “Guru,” Raval is also celebrated for philanthropy—pledging half his wealth to charitable causes. His story is one of drastic reinvention, purpose-driven leadership, and industrial ambition.

7. Philip Moi

Estimated Networth: $402 Million (Ksh 52 billion)

Philip Moi, the son of the late President Daniel arap Moi, has inherited vast wealth from his father. With an estimated net worth of Ksh 52 billion, his assets include land, prime real estate, and investments in key industries.

6. Mahendra Patel

• Age: Not publicly declared. 
• Residence: Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Investor / businessman (details limited)
• Net Worth: $430 million
• Major Holdings: (No verified public holdings)

Biography

Information on Mahendra Patel is limited in public records, suggesting a preference for privacy. However, he accumulated his wealth through diversified business ventures or inheritance, Patel remains low-profile. That said, his sizable net worth positions him among Kenya’s wealthiest, indicating influence in sectors like finance, real estate, or trade—though specifics remain undisclosed.

5. Uhuru Kenyatta

• Age: ~64
• Residence: Nairobi, Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Businessman, former President, Kenyatta family holdings
• Net Worth: $530 million
• Major Holdings: Kenyatta family shares in Brookside, NCBA, media, land

Overview: Former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta has significant investments in various sectors, including Brookside Dairy, Peponi School, NCBA, and Beta Healthcare. Uhuru Kenyatta's net worth in 2026 is estimated to be $530 million.

Biography

Uhuru Kenyatta, who led the nation as President from 2013 to 2022, also oversees significant family-owned business interests. Through Brookside, banking, and real estate, Uhuru’s economic influence complements his political legacy. Growing that portfolio involved both stewardship and expansion, though detailed disclosures remain limited. His profile reflects how political and corporate leadership can intertwine in Kenya’s elite.

4. Jaswinder Singh Bedi

Estimated Net Worth: $680 Million

Overview: Jaswinder Sighi Bedi is known for his success in the textile industry with Bedi Textile. His estimated net worth of $680 million highlights his influence in the sector.

3. Bhimji Depar Shah

• Age: ~94 (born ~1931)
• Residence: Kenya (Mombasa/Nairobi)
• Source of Wealth / Title: Founder, Bidco Africa
• Net Worth: $750 million
• Major Holdings: Bidco Africa — soaps, edible oils, detergents, margarine manufacturing across Africa

Biography

Bhimji Depar Shah began in Mombasa and launched Bidco in the 1970s, initially in garments, later pivoting to household products. Today, Bidco Africa is a manufacturing behemoth across the continent. His leadership turned a modest venture into a regional staple, creating local jobs and transforming consumer goods access. Though older now, his legacy continues through his family and company expansion, symbolizing homegrown industrial success.

2. Ngina Kenyatta (Mama Ngina)

• Age: ~92 (born 1933)
• Residence: Nairobi, Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Matriarch of Kenyatta family empire
• Net Worth: $1 billion (approximate) per list
• Major Holdings: Brookside Dairy, NCBA stake (~13%), Heritage Hotels, Mediamax, land holdings

Biography

Ngina Kenyatta, Kenya’s first First Lady (1964–1978), built a vast economic portfolio rooted in dairy, real estate, media, hospitality, and banking. She quietly stewards an empire that includes the dominant Brookside Dairy and significant stakes in NCBA. Despite a low public profile, her strategic legacy has preserved and grown the Kenyatta family’s influence for generations, with involvement in major infrastructure and urban development initiatives.

She is the richest living person in Kenya. Ngina Kenyatta, the mother to the former president Uhuru Muigai Kenya is a philanthropist and businesswoman. Her estimated net worth stands at $1 billion. Her wealth is derived from family holdings, real estate, and business investments.

Overview: Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the widow of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta, has accumulated significant wealth through investments in banking, hospitality, and real estate. Her net worth is estimated at $1 billion.

1. Manu Chandaria

• Age: ~96 (born 1929)
• Residence: Nairobi, Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: Industrialist, senior figure in Comcraft Group
• Net Worth: $1.7 billion (per list)
• Major Holdings: Ownership in Comcraft, board roles across East African firms

Biography

Manu Chandaria, born in Nairobi in 1929, completed engineering degrees in India and the U.S., then returned home to build Comcraft Group into a multinational manufacturing powerhouse across over 40 countries. His ventures span aluminum, steel, and other industrial materials, with a legacy marked by both business success and philanthropy. He’s received accolades like OBE and Elder of the Burning Spear. Over decades, his strategic vision saw Comcraft expand, while Chandaria used his wealth to support education, healthcare, and social causes, becoming widely respected across East Africa.

Kenya's Richest Individuals (Summary Table)

Rank	Name	Source of Wealth / Title	Net Worth (USD)	Major Holdings / Assets
1	Manu Chandaria	Industrialist, Comcraft Group	$1.7 billion	Comcraft Group, industrial manufacturing (aluminum, steel, etc.)
2	Ngina Kenyatta (Mama Ngina)	Matriarch, Kenyatta family empire	$1 billion	Brookside Dairy, NCBA stake (~13%), Heritage Hotels, Mediamax, land
3	Bhimji Depar Shah	Founder, Bidco Africa	$750 million	Bidco Africa (soaps, edible oils, detergents, margarine)
4	Jaswinder Singh Bedi	Textile industrialist, Bedi Textile	$680 million	Bedi Textile
5	Uhuru Kenyatta	Businessman, former President	$530 million	Brookside Dairy, NCBA, Peponi School, Beta Healthcare, land
6	Mahendra Patel	Investor / businessman	$430 million	Undisclosed (likely real estate, trade, finance)
7	Philip Moi	Heir to Daniel arap Moi estate	$402 million	Land, real estate, diversified investments
8	Narendra Raval	Executive Chairman, Devki Group	$400 million	Devki Group (cement, steel, aluminum manufacturing)
9	Samuel Kamau Macharia	Founder, Royal Media Services	$320 million	Royal Media, Citizen TV & radio, real estate
10	Peter Munga	Co-founder, Equity Bank (via Jamii Bora)	$280 million	Equity Group stake, Filimbi Ltd investments

Honorable Mentions

While the top 10 richest individuals in Kenya dominate the headlines, these influential figures are worth mentioning due to their notable wealth and influence.

William Ruto – Estimated Networth: Ksh 67 billion

Kenya’s current president, William Ruto, is estimated to be worth around Ksh 67 billion. So, to answer the most common question, Is Ruto the richest man in Kenya? The answer is no. However,, his fortune has been growing quickly since he became president, and was recently listed among the richest presidents in Africa.

Most of his wealth comes from investments in real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and several other sectors.

Jimmy Wanjigi – Estimated Networth: Ksh 80 billion

Renowned businessman Jimmy Wanjigi is estimated to be worth around Ksh 80 billion. His fortune has been accumulated through major contracts in infrastructure, real estate, and investments across different sectors in Kenya.

Mwai Kibaki – Estimated Networth: Ksh 50 billion (Estate)

The late Mwai Kibaki, Kenya's third president, left behind a substantial estate valued at around Ksh 50 billion. His wealth is primarily tied to real estate, landholdings, and strategic business investments.

Raila Odinga (Deceased) – Estimated Networth: Ksh 30 billion

Rigathi Gachagua 

Rigathi Gachagua, popularly referred to as Riggy G has an estimated net worth of 1.4 billion Kenya shillings after the recovery of KSh 200 million from the Asset Recovery Agency, which had been previously seized under allegations of illicit acquisition. in 2022, he declared his net worth to be Ksh. 800 million. 

James Mwangi

• Age: ~68
• Residence: Nairobi, Kenya
• Source of Wealth / Title: CEO, Equity Bank
• Net Worth: $170 million
• Major Holdings: Equity Group shares, family firm investments

Biography

James Mwangi transformed Equity Bank from a struggling financial institution into Kenya’s largest retail bank, expanding across East Africa. His leadership made banking accessible to millions; his equity stake and performance-based wealth accumulation place him on the national wealth list. He remains a respected figure in African finance and leadership.

These honourable mentions, while not in the top 10, still play a major role in Kenya’s financial landscape.

The Bottom Line

Kenya’s wealth landscape is shaped by industrious founders, calculated diversification, and legacies that span generations. From manufacturing giants like Chandaria and Depar Shah, to financial visionaries like Munga and Mwangi, and political-business hybrids like Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Raila Odinga, success has diverse roots. The story of Ngina Kenyatta reminds us that profound influence often comes quietly. These stories underscore a clear message: ideas, determination, and adaptability build lasting wealth.

Top Richest Families in Kenya

1. Moi Family

Estimated Net Worth: $3 Billion

Overview: The Moi family, led by the late former President Daniel Arap Moi, stands as Kenya’s wealthiest family. Their wealth comes largely from their political careers and political involvement. 

Moi Family's vast fortune of $3 billion spans various sectors, including banking, media, education, and agriculture. Key assets include First American Bank, Equatorial Bank, KTN, Regent Management, Kabarak University, Kabarak High School, Inter-Continental Hotel, and Fresh Produce Ltd.

2. Kenyatta Family

Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 Billion

Overview: The Kenyatta family, descendants of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta, are significant figures in Kenya’s wealth landscape. With investments totalling $2.5 billion, their portfolio includes Brookside Dairy, Peponi School, Beta Healthcare, NCBA, and extensive land holdings. Prominent members include Mama Ngina Kenyatta and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Before we move on to the fourth richest person in Kenya, Phillip Ndegwa's family, I have conducted research and written a story about how Mama Ngina went from being a maid in President Jomo Kenyatta's home to being the most influential first lady of all time in the history of Kenya. You can read it to get inspired. 

3. Philip Ndegwa Family

Estimated Net Worth: $1.8 Billion

Overview: The late economist Philip Ndegwa, a former governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, amassed significant wealth through his investments. The Ndegwa family holds substantial shares in ICEA Lion, NCBA, AmBank, and Riverside Park, with their wealth estimated at $1.8 billion.

4. Chandaria Family

Estimated Net Worth: $1.7 Billion

Overview: Manu Chandaria and his family are major industrialists through the Comcraft Group, specializing in steel, aluminum, and plastic production across over 40 countries. The Chandaria family’s wealth is estimated at $1.7 billion, and they are also known for their philanthropic contributions to education and healthcare.

Read also: The Richest Woman in Kenya

5. Biwott Family

Estimated Net Worth: $1.1 Billion

Overview: The late Nicholas Biwott, a prominent politician and businessman, left a substantial legacy through his investments. The Biwott family’s wealth includes the significant Yaya Center shopping mall and interests in Air Kenya, totalling an estimated $1.1 billion.

Richest Families in Kenya (Summary Table)

Rank	Name	Estimated Net Worth	Main Source of Wealth
1	Moi Family	$3 billion	First American Bank, Equatorial Bank, KTN, Regent Management, Kabarak University, Kabarak High School, Fresh Produce Ltd, among others
2	Kenyatta Family	$2.5 billion	Brookside, Peponi School, Beta Healthcare, NCBA, land holdings, among others
3	Philip Ndegwa Family	$1.8 billion	ICEA Lion, NCBA, AmBank, Riverside Park
4	Chandaria Family	$1.7 billion	Comcraft Group (steel manufacturing)
5	Biwott Family	$1.1 billion	Yaya Center