Digging deeper into their background, the elite class have also attended top-tier institutions and made their way into the upper echelon of their respective industries.
kenyagist.com takes a look at the courses that these billionaires pursued in institutions of higher learning.
Jimi Wanjigi
The 2022 Presidential aspirant is no stranger to the public limelight due to his strong persona that many may term as audacious.
Born in Nyeri County, the astute businessman has amassed years of experience as an entrepreneur. He is the current Chief Executive of Kwacha Group of Companies. At a past interview, he noted that his business habits stemmed from his high school days when he sold a number of items for profit.
Wanjigi has become a staple in the business industry- involving himself in multi-billion government deals. Wanjigi went to St Mary’s school before transitioning to York University in Canada where he studied business.
SK Macharia
Samuel Kamau Macharia’s tale exudes the rags to riches narrative. The business mogul went from a street boy in his early days to living large and owning one of the biggest media houses in the country, Royal Media Services (RMS).
The media boss enrolled at Seattle Technical college for his High school education. After two years, he joined Seattle Pacific University where he studied a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in political science.
Further, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at the University of Washington. SK Macharia also holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting/Finance and a Master of Arts in Accounting.
Buzeki
Businessman turned politician Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich alias Buzeki has been a reclusive yet bold entrepreneur who earned millions while in his 30s.
The businessman is the founder of Buzeki Group of Companies- which specializes in transport and dairy products. From hawking milk in Mombasa to owning multi-million companies, Buzeki has mastered the art of business.
The businessman is also flexing his muscles in the political realm as he looks to clinch the Uasin Gishu Gubernatorial seat in the upcoming General Election.
Buzeki holds a higher International diploma in Sales and Marketing as well as a degree of the same from Cambridge University.
Sameer Naushad Merali
Merali became the talk of the town recently when he emerged as the richest individual in the country- with a net worth of Ksh89.6 billion (USD790 million) according to the latest report by Oxfam International Limited.
He is the son of the late billionaire Naushad Merali. Sameer assumed the throne and is currently the Chief Executive of Sameer Investments Limited.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Sameer has invested heavily in various industries including agriculture, telecommunications, banking, real estate, and manufacturing.
The businessman graduated from Kings College, London, with a Bachelor of Science in Management Science. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Banking and International Finance from City University Business School based in London.
James Mwangi
The wealthy businessman has revolutionized Kenya’s banking industry in his 17-year tenure as the CEO of a top-tier lender.
Due to his innovative nature and leadership, he has received notable awards such as the 2020 Business for Peace Award, 2012 Forbes Africa Person of the Year, 2010, 2011, and 2017 African Banker of the Year.
He has also been named the African CEO of the year at the African Business Leadership Awards for four consecutive years.
Mwangi holds a Bachelors of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Joseph Wanjui
Arguably one of the most influential persons in the country, Wanjui has revolutionised the corporate sector. The businessman has shares in Hill Park Hotels, UAP-Old Mutual, Bawan Rose among others. The business magnate is also the former President Mwai Kibaki’s confidant and adviser.
Wanjui, a Mang’u High school alumni, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelors degree in Physics and Mathematics.
He also holds a Master’s degree in Industrial engineering and management at Columbia University.
Kenyatta Family
The Kenyatta Family remains one of the richest families in the country. From the Founding President Jomo Kenyatta to his son, Uhuru Kenyatta- the family is arguably at the Mount Rushmore of wealthy families on a global scale.
According to the latest report by Oxfam International Limited, the family emerged as the fourth richest in the country with a net worth of Ksh60 billion.
The current Head of State studied economics, political science, and government at Amherst College in the USA while his brother, Muhoho Kenyatta graduated at Williams College in Massachusetts, US with a degree in Political science.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
