Kenya’s Wealthiest Political Families

The wealthiest families in Kenya have a rich political background. Political power and money seem to be entwined if the recently released report on Kenya’s wealthiest families by a British firm is anything to go by. Here is the list of families that are considered centimillionaire and virtually control 50 percent of Kenya’s wealth.

1.      The kenyatta family  -The Kenyatta family is estimated to be worth between $100 to $1 billion. Jomo Kenyatta was the founding father of Kenya and his son Uhuru Kenyatta is the current President. According to the British report the family has vast interests in Banking, Tourism, air travel, education, insurance, telecommunications, dairy farming, mining, energy and real estate. What is yet to be substantiated is the exact acreage of land the Kenyatta's own.

2.  MOI FAMILY   -   The wealth of retired President of 24 years Daniel arap Moi's family is believed to run into the billions of shillings. The Moi family has invested heavily in insurance, media, manufacturing, air travel, transport, tourism, maritime and freight. The family also owns huge chunks of land.

3.  The late Prof George Saitoti, the longest serving vice president during Moi’s reign, invested in real estate, horticulture, the hotel industry and tourism. His wealth is estimated to be between $30 million to $100 million. Saitoti died in a helicopter crash in 2012, but his family still benefits from his investments today.

 4. The total man Nicholas Biwott has vast interests in energy, mining, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, banking and real estate. He is a major shareholder in Kobil. His wealth is estimated at ($100 million to $1 billion).

5. The late John Michuki who served in the Kibaki administration in several different ministerial portfolios is worth between $30 million and $100 million. His interest range from tourism to agriculture and real estate.

6. The Odinga family has a rich political life. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was Kenya’s first Vice president during Kenyatta reign while his son, Raila Odinga, acted as the Prime Minister in the Grand coalition Government. The family has vast interests in oil and gas, manufacturing and agriculture.

7. Former President Mwai Kibaki has invested in tourism, agriculture telecommunication, banking and in the fashion industry. He owns large tracts of land.

8. Simeon Nyachae was the undisputed king of Kisii during the Moi reign. The seasoned politician who served as a chief secretary, provincial administrator and cabinet minister has invested in transport, agriculture, banking and logistics and is reported to own ranches in Zimbabwe, Australia and South Africa.