There are people in Kenya who started from scratch but ended up being very rich—president Ruto is one of them.Below we have compiled a list of Kenyans who were poor when growing up but ended up being rich.
- Late Chris Kirubi
He was among the billionaires in Kenya with vast businesses in different parts of the country and globally. Chris was born in 1941 and came from a family that lived in abject poverty back in the day, he was also the first born child. The family situation became worse when Chris parents passed on and as the first born, he had to step up and help the siblings. His break came when he landed his first job at shell as a sales person, and later on with the government, he later embarked on business which he started with his savings and later invested in real estate etc. The rest is history as he died a billionaire having employed many people.
- James Mwangi
Mwangi is the chief executive officer of Equity Bank, a Kenyan accountant, career banker and overall a business man. He is among the billionaires in Kenya. His story is one of resilience and perseverance and his rise to becoming a world-class banker was nurtured by the difficult experience he encountered as a young boy who herded cows and goats in a communal atmosphere and sold milk in the village, getting a first-hand experience in business. His first break happened and took place in 1993 when he turned Equity from a loss making entity to making it the largest bank in East Africa. The rest is history.
- Manu Chandaria
He is one of the billionaires we have in Kenya credited to his gift in industrialization and entrepreneurship skills. Manu Chandaria is a well-known entrepreneur in Kenya and Africa, however what you did not know is that Manu grew up in Ngara, Nairobi in a house that homed three families. In an interview Manu said he assisted his father in selling products at his shop when he was young, and although he was not born with a silver spoon on his mouth, there were spoons in the house. Manu serves in several boards of East Africa companies plus the many industries and companies he owns.
- Lorna Rutto
She is one of the best female entrepreneurs that we have in the Country. Growing up, Lorna and her family resided in the Kaptembwa slums. She has experienced her share of poverty, unemployment, garbage etc. However, this did not discourage her because she had an eco-consciousness which propelled her to notice the huge plastic garbage littering the environment and decided to turn it into business. From there she has been able to recycle plastics in big amounts and turned them into user friendly alternative to wooden fencing. She has won awards on her entrepreneurship venture which has helped lessen the plastic litter in the environment.
- Henry Ohanga (Octopizzo)
He is popularly known as Octopizzo, and he is a Kenyan hip hop artist hailing from Kibera ghetto. Octopizzo was orphaned when he was just 14yrs old which separated him from his relatives. He has overcome a lot of negativity to succeed and become one of the best and succcessful rappers in Kenya.
- SK Macharia
His story is one of rising from grass to grace, he was born and raised by peasant parents. SK is the owner of Royal Media Services and other businesses, he is a skilled entrepreneur and among the billionaires in Kenya,
- Victor Wanyama
He has played both professional local and international football. He came to fame after playing for Totten ham in United Kingdom getting paid over 30million Kenyan shillings. However, Wanyama was not spared of tough childhood. His parents used to rely on casual jobs to feed them as a family.
- Babu Owino
Babu Owino is a leader and a politician, an Embakasi Member of Parliament. He was brought up in shanty of Nyalenda Slum in Kisumu County. Babu is a sharp man who was always a bright student, his courage has propelled him to be a leader for quite a long time now.
- Shaffie Weru
Despite Shaffie coming a humble background having lived in Kibera slums, he grew up to be a household name when he used to be a radio presenter at Kiss 100. Shaffie has overcome all his challenges has been loved in his career.
- Linet Chepkorir
She is among the young politicians in Kenya. Linet popularly known as toto comes from a very humble background, after revealing her intentions to become a woman representative in her constituency, the people from her village supported her, one boda boda guy even offered to carry her around on his bodada to help her campaign. She is now doing well after winning the elections.
- Oscar Sudi
Oscar is a popular politician and an entrepreneur. He used to sell charcoal and a tout before rising to become the first Kapsaret Member of Parliament. Sudi’s parents were also squatters and his education was interfered because he opted to support his family.
- Kipchumba Murkomen
Murkomen is a known politician who has been appointed to be a cabinet secretary. His once shared photos of his humble beginnings, living in a mud house while studying quoting “God’s grace is sufficient.”
- Nyota Ndogo
She is a renowned Kenyan singer and song writer, also an entrepreneur residing in the coastal sides of Kenya. Nyota Ndogo hails from a humble background, at some point of her life she worked as a house help earning Ksh 1500 hence unable to continue with her education. However, her resilience and hard work enabled her to become successful.
- Johnston Mwakazi
He became famous for anchoring news on Citizen TV. Mwakazi is also the founder of Royal Voices, a media Company. Apart from his success, Mwakazi grew up poor in the slums of Nairobi, he was also brought up by a single mother.
- Khaligraph Jones
He grew up in Kayole slums which is popularly known to be a place of robbery with violence in Nairobi County. Khaligraph was able to perfect his craft and is among the best rappers Kenya has, he is also wealthy.
- Bahati
He is a successful Kenyan singer and song writer who rose to fame with his song ‘mwanzo and mama.’ Bahati has recently become a politician in both of his careers which have made him famous. Apart from his success story, Bahati grew up as an orphan in a children’s home after losing his mother.
- Jaguar
He is known to be a matatu tout before turning out to be a singer, song writer and later a politician. Jaguar has managed to make his life successful and famous at the same time.
- Ringtone
He grew up as a street child, without food and shelter. Ringtone is known for his music and being vocal about other artists, he has also been a motivational speaker. He now lives a comfortable life having everything he has dreamt of once.
- Jalang’o
Jalangó was brought up in Homa Bay County with parents who were small scale farmers (peasants). He recently became a politician and was voted as a member of parliament of Langáta. He is also known for his comedy and acting, he is skilled in what he does and this enabled him to grow out of poverty.
- Vera Sidika
She is a popular Kenyan socialite and entrepreneur. Her real name is Vera Sidika Mungásia and she was brought up in Mombasa and not from a rich family. Vera otherwise known as shikwekwe rose to fame after doing her plastic surgery and spending a lot of money on it.
- Larry Madowo
He is popularly known from NTV media house having hosted several shows and reported/anchored news. Larry lost both of his parents when he was 14yrs old, despite the difficulties in his life, Larry has been able to achieve a lot going international and working for global networks e.g. BBC and now CNN.
- Erick Omondi
He is a comedian that featured on Churchill show which aired on NTV. Erick grew up in the slums of Kondele, however his hard work has led to him becoming famous and earning a lot.
- Churchill
He is known for the Churchill show that aired on NTV. Churchill’s real name is Daniel Ndambuki rose to fame after being in the comic and acting industry for a long time. He was also known from old shows like ridiculous. Churchill is now an investor and an entrepreneur who has given other people platforms to grow.
- DJ Pinye
He is among the popular Djs in the country, he migrated to live in London where he worked as a toilet cleaner. Pinye has become successful and has also achieved most the things he wanted.
- Abel Mutua
He is a script writer, content creator and an actor at the same time. Abel grew up in the slums of Kibera. However, he is now among the successful Kenyans in the industry who still have relevance.
- Larry Asego
He grew up in the slums of Kibera and later rose to become among the best radio presenters in Kenya. Larry was also a rugby player and now works with France Embassy. He is among the successful Kenyans who rose from grass to grace.
- Kanze Dena
She is a former Citizen TV news anchor. Kanze has narrated her story and has never shyed away from telling about her humble upbringing. She is now an accomplished successful woman.
- King Kaka
His real name is Kennedy Ombina. He was raised by a single mother in Eastleigh after the death of his father. Kaka has rose to become a household name with his songs attracting even the politician’s attention, moreover he has stayed relevant in the industry for a long time now.
- MCA Tricky
He is a former street boy due to lack of shelter and good clothing. Tricky was born in Makueni County and he rose to fame after featuring on Churchill Show as a comedian. Tricky has also graduated with a degree of Mechanical Engineering from Kenyatta University.
- Maina Kageni
He was by a single parent, and his life growing up was not easy, however when got a chance to study abroad, he went there and worked as a truck driver instead of studying. Right now Maina is the second most paid radio presenter in Kenya.
- Akothee
Akothee grew up in a village in Nyanza where poverty was normal.His life changed when he moved to Mombasa where she met white people.He dated a couple of them who gave her a lot of money.Akothee is now among the richest women in Kenya with net worth of Ksh 2 billion to Ksh 4 billion.
- President William Ruto
President Ruto was born in Sugoi,he doesn’t know even his father.He sold chicken along the road to pay school fees.His life changed when he was in the University of Nairobi as the head of a choir.He was picked by former president Moi to become one of the YK-92 members. He started making money from there.
Ruto is among the richest Kenyans, his net worth is estimated to be Ksh 100 billion to Ksh300 billion
