Inside the Entrepreneurial Empire of Keith Gachagua: A Dynamic Profile
Before the 2022 General Election, Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua publicly spoke about his family for the first time.
He stated that the family represents the fundamental building block of both society and the nation.
Gachagua revealed that he is wedded to a single woman and is the father of two children.
Gachagua emphasized the significance of family, stating that he grew up in the vicinity of Mt Kenya, where he learned that families are the cornerstone of both society and the nation. He believes that strong families contribute to the strength of a nation.
During his marriage of over 35 years to Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi, Gachagua was blessed with two sons. The eldest, Kelvin Gachagua, pursued a career as a software engineer.
But who is Keith Gachagua?
Keith Ikinu Gachagua, the politician’s second son, is a physician who actively participates in managing the family’s business alongside his father.
Bizna Kenya reported that the doctor excelled in the 2010 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, ranking among the top students.
The former student of Alliance High School achieved a national ranking of 17th, attaining an impressive average grade of A plain, totaling 86.92 points.
Following his outstanding performance in high school, Keith pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
During his son’s graduation, Gachagua expressed immense joy, acknowledging the challenges Keith faced during his rigorous six-year course.
What business does Keith currently own?
As reported by the Daily Nation, Keith has taken ownership of the renowned Treetops and Outspan Hotels, both scheduled to reopen this month, marking a new chapter for the hospitality industry.
Treetops Hotel, famous for hosting Queen Elizabeth’s coronation 72 years ago, holds historical significance in Nyeri, particularly related to the Mau Mau movement.
Keith emphasized the historical importance of the establishment, noting its connection to Kenya’s liberation struggle, a narrative largely overlooked until now.
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He elaborated on a little-known fact: beneath the hotel, there are underground tunnels built by the Mau Mau fighters to access the facility.
A fig tree located approximately 10 kilometers away from the hotel, nestled within the Aberdare Forest, served as a makeshift post office for the Mau Mau movement.
During the fourth graduation ceremony at Nyeri National Polytechnic on April 4, Gachagua hinted at the hotels’ acquisition.
He mentioned that the decision to purchase the two historic hotels arose from a challenge he discussed with local businesspeople.
Within Treetops Hotel
Treetops Hotel was situated like a treehouse near a watering hole in Aberdare National Park.
It comprised a three-bedroom cabin constructed atop an ancient fig tree, featuring a small servants’ quarter nestled among its upper branches.
When Princess Elizabeth and her newlywed husband, Prince Philip, stayed at the hotel, they were accommodated in a modest three-bedroom cottage.
In 1954, Mau Mau rebels set fire to the original treehouse, resulting in its destruction. The Daily Mail documented this event, noting the presence of a metal plaque.
After the destruction of the original structure, the hotel was reconstructed across from the nearby watering hole. Queen Elizabeth visited this new location in 1982.
With Gachagua’s son taking over ownership of the property, employees expressed hope that it would experience a revitalization.
Businesses owned by Gachagua and overseen by Keith:
Wamunyoro Investments Limited:
Under Nderitu Gachagua’s governance as Nyeri governor, this company purportedly secured contracts. Gachagua and his spouse are identified as directors.
Encater Diagnostics Ltd:
Specializing in medical provisions, this entity allegedly obtained KSh 123,175,000 following successful bids in various county administrations.
Technical Supplies and Services (K):
This construction firm received KSh 220.8 million from the national government. Additionally, Skytop Agencies obtained KSh 20.6 million from the national government and an extra KSh 2.05 million from county sources.
Other enterprises in the mix are Rapid Medical Supplies, Jenne Enterprises, Machine Centre Ltd, and Riang International Group.
The entrepreneurial path of Gachagua
Gachagua has disclosed that his wealth accumulation stems from founding numerous businesses over 40 years.
According to the Deputy President, his initial earnings traced back to his university days when he managed discos and vended sweets.
Gachagua asserts that his wealth is the product of legitimate business dealings with both national and county administrations.
Inside the Entrepreneurial Empire of Keith Gachagua: A Dynamic Profile
