Khalif Kairo, born Joseph Kairo Wambui in November 1996 in Amboseli, Kawangware, Nairobi County, is a notable entrepreneur and automotive enthusiast. He began his education at Huduma Primary Pre-unit and later attended World Hope Academy for his primary schooling. During this time, his mother operated a small kiosk within their community to support the family.
Kairo continued his studies at Dagoretti High School from 2011 to 2012 before transferring to Kahuho Uhuru High School, where he completed his secondary education in 2014. After graduating, his passion for automobiles began to take shape, leading him to enroll in driving classes immediately after finishing high school. This passion eventually evolved into a thriving business venture, culminating in the establishment of Kai & Kairo Motors, where he serves as CEO. His deep appreciation for vehicles and entrepreneurial spirit have played a significant role in his success, with Kairo declaring his net worth to exceed 1 billion Kenyan shillings as of September 2023.
Business Controversies and Legal Challenges
Kairo first gained public attention following allegations that his former business partners at Imports by Kairo had deceived him in a lucrative deal. The scandal garnered him public sympathy and served as a turning point, prompting him to rebrand his business under the name Kai & Kairo Motors.
However, his journey has not been without challenges. Kairo became a prominent figure during the Gen Z protests that swept across Kenya in July 2024. Shortly thereafter, allegations surfaced that he had been misusing business funds to finance a lavish lifestyle. This misuse reportedly caused significant delays in vehicle deliveries, frustrating his clients and drawing criticism.
The situation escalated when Kairo was arraigned in court on January 13, 2025, facing multiple accusations of fraud. He is alleged to have induced Jeff Munane to pay 2.1 million Kenyan shillings for a Honda Vezel Hybrid that was never delivered. Similarly, he is accused of defrauding Dona Okoth of 2.98 million Kenyan shillings for a Subaru Outback, which was also undelivered. Both payments were made to his company, Kai & Kairo Limited.
Despite his remarkable rise in the automotive business world, Khalif Kairo’s journey has been marked by significant controversies. From his humble beginnings in Kawangware to becoming a CEO of a multimillion-shilling company, his story is one of ambition, resilience, and the complexities of navigating the business world. As the legal proceedings unfold, his future in the automotive industry remains uncertain.
