Western Kenya is composed of four counties: Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, and Kakamega. According to the 2019 census, these counties have a combined population of approximately 5,021,843.
In terms of economic contributions, Kakamega, the most prosperous county in the region, contributes 2.4% of the entire country’s GDP. On the other hand, Vihiga, the least affluent county, contributes just 0.8%.
For those interested in the wealthiest individuals in Western Kenya, we have compiled a list of the top ten affluent figures in the region and a brief overview of their investments.
- Ibrahim Ambwere Ibrahim Ambwere, a Western Kenyan tycoon, garnered attention when he stepped in to pay teachers’ delayed salaries, amounting to Ksh 48 million (now equivalent to Ksh 4 billion). He has a diverse business portfolio, including rental houses and commercial buildings such as Ambwere Furaha, Ambwere Plaza, Ambwere Complex, and Ambwere Towers.
- Julius Mwale Julius Mwale is among Western Kenya’s wealthy but low-profile individuals. He started his journey in Kakamega County, then joined the Kenya Airforce, and later moved to the United States. Overcoming initial challenges, he raised $2 million (Sh200 million) to establish a Biometric technology company in New York. His company, by 2003, employed 60 people and served prestigious clients like the Bank of New York and JP Morgan Chase. He is the visionary behind the Mwale Medical and Technology City, valued at $2 billion (Sh200 billion) in Butere. Julius Mwale currently resides in New York and owns a ranch in the United States.
- Evans Kidero Evans Kidero, the former Nairobi City Governor, is another prominent figure from Western Kenya, with assets estimated at approximately Ksh 9 billion. His properties include Yala Towers, Muthaiga Heights, rental units along Riara Road, and various high-end vehicles. Kidero’s real estate holdings extend to houses in Gigiri, Nyari Estate, Rosslyn near Runda, and significant land in Kisumu and Homa Bay.
- Francis Atwoli Francis Atwoli, the COTU Sec-Gen, openly displays his wealth with luxury vehicles like a Mercedes Benz S300 Model and a Mercedes Maybach 6 Cabriolet, along with a lavish home in Kumpa, Kajiado. He derives substantial income from COTU and various board memberships. Notably, he once extended a soft loan of Ksh 110 million to Cyrus Jirongo, which remains unpaid.
- Eugene Wamalwa Eugene Wamalwa, a prominent politician and entrepreneur, is worth around Ksh 400 million. He owns multiple properties, significant tracts of land, and a thriving law firm, which even represented Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, in 2001.
- Philip Arunga Kisa Philip Arunga Kisa serves as the Managing Director of Urgent Cargo Handling LTD, a logistics company established in 1985. The company offers a wide range of services and has a presence in various locations across Kenya. Additionally, Arungah is an avid polo player and owns twelve ponies, which he uses to introduce his son to the sport.
- Musalia Mudavadi Musalia Mudavadi, the former vice president and ANC party leader, is recognized for his political career. However, he is also a co-owner of an insurance company and holds ownership in a bank. His investments include a Westlands commercial office block and residential units. He founded a property management company during his university years.
- Moses Wetangula Moses Wetangula’s wealth is estimated at Ksh 2.4 billion. He is both a politician and an entrepreneur, owning various properties in Syokimau and along Ngong Road. He also holds residual shares in the Wetangula, Adan, Makokha & Company Advocates.
- Moody Awori Moody Awori, known as Uncle Moody, is one of Western Kenya’s wealthiest individuals. He served as Kenya’s ninth vice-president and is also a published author. In 2018, he received lavish retirement benefits from the government, including a saloon car and a four-wheel drive vehicle, each with a driver, to be replaced every four years. His gross pay, including perks, was estimated at Sh1.93 million in 2013, according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
These individuals not only contribute significantly to the Western Kenyan economy but also make their presence known in various fields, from business and politics to sports and philanthropy.
