Kennedy Rapudo, a notable figure in the world of entertainment, is renowned not only for his high-profile relationship with Amber Ray but also for his extravagant lifestyle. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, lies a remarkable narrative of resilience and determination that has shaped his journey from adversity to entrepreneurship.
Rapudo’s early life was marked by significant challenges, having lost his parents during his high school years. This pivotal loss led him to relocate to Nairobi, where he was taken care of by a friend of his late mother. Despite these daunting circumstances, Rapudo’s commitment to his education remained unwavering, and he achieved an impressive B+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, setting the stage for his remarkable journey.
Undaunted by adversity, Rapudo pursued higher education at the prestigious University of Nairobi, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. His thirst for knowledge and ambition drove him to further academic achievements, culminating in a Master’s degree in Project Planning. However, his quest for knowledge did not stop there, as he went on to attain a second Master’s degree in International Relations from the United States International University-Africa (USIU).
Rapudo’s entrepreneurial spirit began to manifest at an early age. To make ends meet, he began his journey by selling household items, earning commissions that helped him survive. He ventured into various endeavors, including brickmaking and poultry farming. Later on, he entered the corporate world, working for an Environmental Impact Assessment company, where he was involved in research for prominent oil companies, broadening his skillset.
In 2015, Rapudo transitioned into the taxi business, gaining valuable experience and insights. Subsequently, he joined a Dutch company specializing in tours and travel, a pivotal moment in his career. He recounted, “I worked with the Dutch company for some time, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were laid off. That’s when I decided to start my own travel company. I’m not involved in any illicit activities. I engage in various ventures, but tours and travel are my primary focus.”
Amidst these professional pursuits, Rapudo’s life took a transformative turn when he became a father during his second year of university. He recalled, “I was in my second year when my girlfriend told me she was expecting. I encouraged her to proceed, even though I didn’t have a stable job. I think it’s the best decision I ever made. This decision ignited the spirit of entrepreneurship in me because I had a family to provide for.”
Rapudo is a father to three children: a 12-year-old daughter, a 7-year-old son, and Africanah, his child with Amber Ray. He also looks after Amber’s 13-year-old son, Gavin. When asked about heading a blended family, Rapudo explained that it has been a smooth journey. His first-born daughter is a partial boarder, spending most weekends with Rapudo and Amber, and visiting her mother during holidays. His son primarily lives with his mother but frequently visits. Rapudo emphasized that Gavin has played a mature and brotherly role, fostering a strong bond among the children. He chuckled, “For the longest time, Gavin used to call me Ken until his mother complained. Nowadays, he calls me Baba Savani or Baba Africanah.”
