Inside Rift Valley’s Billionaire Enclave: Who They Are, What They Own
Rift Valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class athletes.
The region is also home to several billionaires who run diverse business ventures, including agricultural enterprises, Information Technology (IT) firms, and hospitality ventures.
Among the notable businessmen from the region are David Lang’at, Joshua Chepkwony, the Moi family, and President William Ruto.
1. The Moi family
Daniel Arap Moi, who served as Kenya’s president from 1978 to 2002, amassed a large fortune. According to Forbes, Moi’s net worth was estimated at $3 billion (KSh 390 billion).
Moi left behind a will in which he distributed his wealth among his children (five sons and three daughters).
The family owns huge tracts of land, including in Bahati, Nakuru county – 20,000 acres, Kabarak – 1,600 acres, Olenguruone, Nakuru county – 20,000 acres, Molo – 20,000 acres and Ol Pejeta – 50,000 acres.
They have shares in several companies, such as Standard Media Group, Trans-National Bank, Equatorial Bank, First American Bank, Giro Bank Giant Forex Bureau, Equity Stock Brokers, and Sovereign Group.
In the agriculture sector, they invested in Kiptagich Tea Estate in Olenguruone, Nakuru, Sasine Group of farms, and Fresh Produce Ltd.
2. David Lang’at
David Lang’at is the chairman and founder of DL Group of Companies, established in the 1980s.
The group’s earliest business ventures entailed the export and import of commodities such as electronics and furniture.
It has since diversified into various sectors like agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing.
Lang’at rose to fame in 2017 when he, in partnership with the Guangdong New South Group, initiated the KSh 200 billion AEZ Pearl River Industrial Park in Uasin Gishu County.
Among his investments are Koisagat Tea Estate, Nyali Mall, Kapchebet Tea Factory, and Selenkei Ltd.
3. Joshua Chepkwony
Joshua Kipchumba Chepkwony (CK Joshua) is the founder and chairman of Kass Media Group, which operates Kass FM radio and Kass TV.
The billionaire also manages Jamii Telecommunications, which offers Faiba services, and Jamii Millings, a cereals factory.
The tycoon behind the fiber optic network started the business early by buying goats and chicken in the village and reselling them for a profit.
4. Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich (Buzeki)
Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, became famous in the 2017 General Election when he ran for the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial seat.
Even though he lost, the tycoon gave incumbent Jackson Mandago a run for his money.
In June 2017, Forbes listed Buzeki among Kenya’s little-known millionaires running multi-billion companies behind the scenes.
The businessman describes himself as a self-made individual who rose from a milk hawker in the coastal city of Mombasa to a billionaire.
He has interests in Buzeki Enterprises, Bunoil Limited, Koima Motors Limited, Transtruckers Logistics Group Limited, Buzeki Insurance Limited and Buzeki Fleet System Management Limited.
5. William Ruto
President William Ruto spent his youthful days selling chicken to supplement his parents’ income as he came from a humble background.
According to BBC, he walked barefoot to school and wore his first pair of shoes, aged 15.
Among his properties and businesses are Koitalel Poultry Farm in Eldoret, Weston Hotel, Dolphin Hotel, Kitengela Gas, and Osere Flats.
Inside Rift Valley’s Billionaire Enclave: Who They Are, What They Own