Kennedy Rapudo Biography, Networth and How He Makes Money

Kennedy Rapudo, the name that never fails to spark curiosity. Who is he really? A self-made businessman or just another mystery in Kenya’s elite circles?

Many people wonder: What exactly is Rapudo’s source of wealth? The man is wealthy, having a net worth of Ksh. 200 million signifies affluence. 

He claims to run a tours and travel business, but have you ever seen him market it? His explanation? His company primarily operates in the Dutch market, so there’s no need to advertise in Kenya.

Sounds reasonable, right? Well, not everyone is convinced. And that’s where the "online DCI" (those relentless internet detectives who dig up people’s lives and expose them on social media) step in. According to them, Rapudo’s main hustle isn’t travel but something much shadier: wash wash (money laundering).

But before we jump to conclusions, let’s take a step back. Kennedy Rapudo didn’t just appear from nowhere and become rich to the extent of marrying a high-maintenance woman like Amber Ray. He has a past, one that is so moving, full of struggles and breakthroughs.

Quick Facts About Kennedy Rapudo

• Age: 38

• Birthday: April 29

• Net worth: Ksh. 200 Million

• Higher Education: University of Nairobi (Bachelor’s & Master’s), USIU (Master’s in International Relations)

• Business Industry: Tours and Travel

• Wife: Amber Ray

• Children:  4 (3 biological, 1 stepson that Amber Ray came with)

• Tribe: Luo

Kennedy Rapudo's Early Life and Education

Rapudo was not born into riches. His childhood was tough, and he lost both parents while still in high school. This forced him to relocate to Nairobi, where he was taken in by a friend of his late mother.

Despite the challenges, he remained focused on his studies and scored a B+ in KCSE. He later joined the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree before advancing to a Master’s in Project Planning. Determined to keep improving himself, he later pursued a second Master’s degree in International Relations at USIU.

Kennedy Rapudo’s Hustle Journey: From Hawking to Entrepreneurship

Before the wealth and flamboyance, Rapudo was a hustler. After completing high school, he ventured into different small businesses to survive. His first job? Hawking thermoses and hotpots on the streets of Nairobi. He recalls making Ksh. 500 as commission on his first day but selling nothing on the second day.

At some point, he moved back home and engaged in brick-making and poultry farming to make ends meet. But his ambition was greater than selling household items or baking bricks.

Corporate Career and Entry into Business

Rapudo later secured a job with an Environmental Impact Assessment company, where he worked on research projects for top oil companies such as TULO and Africa Oil. This job exposed him to the corporate world, but he eventually left in 2015 to pursue his own ventures.

His first business move? Investing in the taxi industry. He ventured into ride-hailing services, operating multiple Uber vehicles. This was his stepping stone into entrepreneurship.

The Birth of Rapudo's Tours & Travel Business

While working in the corporate world, Rapudo got a chance to join a Dutch tour and travel company. He worked there for a while before COVID-19 hit, leading to massive layoffs.

That was the turning point. Instead of looking for another job, Rapudo decided to start his own travel company, which has since grown into a multi-million-dollar business serving high-end clients, mainly from the Netherlands.

But as his success grew, so did speculation about his source of wealth.

Kennedy Rapudo's Response to ‘Wash Wash’ Allegations

The streets talk, and when someone becomes successful overnight (or so it seems), people start looking for alternative explanations. Many netizens have labeled Rapudo as part of the wash wash business (money laundering), but he strongly denies it.

“I am not involved in any wash wash business. I do a lot of things, but my main source of income is tours and travel,” he once stated in an interview.

He also finds it funny how people are so quick to question his success but were never concerned when he was struggling.

“Back then, when I was poor, why didn’t they question my source(s) of poverty? Ama tuseme ni jealousy, njaa na roho chafu?” he posted online.

Kennedy Rapudo’s Family Life

Away from business, Rapudo is a family man. He has three biological children and is also a father figure to Amber Ray’s son, Gavin.

• His firstborn daughter (12 years old) is a partial boarder who visits them during weekends.

• His 7-year-old son lives with his mother but visits often.

• Africanah, his daughter with Amber Ray, is still a toddler.

• He also takes care of Amber’s son, Gavin (13 years old), who now calls him Baba Savani.

Despite heading a blended family, Rapudo says things have been smooth. The children get along well, and there’s mutual respect between all of them.

Kennedy Rapudo’s Net Worth and Investments

So, how much is Kennedy Rapudo worth? His networth is estimated to be around Ksh. 200 million.

Apart from his travel business, he has investments in real estate, the taxi industry, and oil-related research firms. He has managed to build a fortune from years of entrepreneurship, smart investments, and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Kennedy Rapudo’s story is one of resilience and determination. From hawking thermoses to owning a successful travel company, he has shown that with hard work, anything is possible.

While online DCI may continue speculating, the reality is that Rapudo has built his empire one step at a time. Whether people believe his story or not, one thing is certain—he’s here to stay.

So, the next time you hear his name being mentioned, you’ll know the facts. Kennedy Rapudo, the man, the businessman, the enigma.