List of Businesses Ran by Sameer Merali, the Richest Man in Kenya

A report released in January 2022, by renowned global charity organization Oxfam International revealed the five richest people in the country, with Sameer Merali, son to late business mogul Dr. Naushad Noorali Merali topping the list. According to the report by Oxfam, Sameer Merali was estimated to be worth $790 million (Ksh89.6 billion).

Following his father’s death, Sameer, a Masters graduate in Banking and International Finance took over the running of the family’s business empire. The Merali business empire houses several ventures cutting across different industries that include; manufacturing, agriculture, energy and IT among others.

In this article, Nairobi Leo reviews some of the businesses ran by Sameer Merali and his family:

Sameer Group (Sameer Investments Limited)

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Sameer Investment Limited with his mother Mrs Zarina Naushad Merali serving as Chairman of the company. Her mother took over the position after the death of her husband Dr Naushad Merali in July 2021.

According to information on the company’s website, Sameer Group “is a conglomerate of companies and a leading economic force with major investments and successful operating companies in all key sectors of the Kenyan Economy – Agribusiness, Automobile & Distribution, Construction, Energy & Power, Finance, and Property Development & Real Estates.” A part from Kenya, the company also has investments in South Africa, Dubai, and Europe among other countries.

Sameer Africa PLC

Sameer Africa PLC is a public limited company. It was established in Kenya 1969. Back then, it went by the name Firestone East Africa Limited. The company majors in importation and sale of tyres and related products. It also deals with letting of investment property. Currently, it has branches in Kenya, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania. Sameer Merali is a director at the company. Sameer Investments Company, the conglomerate of the Sameer family business owns 72.48% of Sameer Africa PLC. Reports indicate that Sameer Africa PLC has directly and indirectly employed over 30,000 people.

Sameer Industrial Park

According to information on the company’s website, Sameer Industrial Park is “the leading partner in export processing. It provides investment facilities of unparalleled standards, offering the ultimate in investor support services and managing a world-class industrial park.” It was established in 1991. The company says that its main aim is to make investing in Kenya easy for foreign investors.

Sameer Industrial Park's main entrance. [Photo: Courtesy]

Muthaiga Heights

Muthaiga Heights is a 3-block housing project in the lavish Muthaiga estate. Each floor in the building has 11 three-bedroom apartments with modern finishing and spectacular views of the city and it's surrounding. Muthaiga Heights is one of the standout establishments in the area.

Aerial view of Muthaiga heights. [Photo: Courtesy]

Sameer Business Park

The park provides space for offices and business entities. The 500,000 sq. ft. establishment is located along Mombasa Road. The park has five blocks with a maximum seven floors and a helipad. It is one of the premium establishments along Mombasa road.

Sameer Business Park's main entrance. [Photo: Courtesy]

Rivaan Centre

It is located just off Waiyaki Way in Brookside, along Muguga Green. Rivaan Centre boasts of high quality office accommodation of international standard. It is strategically located to cater for customer around Westlands, Nyari, Gigiri and other lavish neighborhoods.

Exterior view of Rivaan Centre in Westlands, Nairobi. [Photo: Courtesy]

Warenn Enterprises LTD

Warren Enterprises Limited is a renowned Kenyan Engineering Company. According to information on the company's website, it focuses on several projects including providing above and below ground fuel storage tanks, agricultural and industrial trailers, mobile and stationary water bowsers, irrigation systems and equipment installation among other services.

Aristocrats Concrete LTD

It was formed in 1996 and currently operates a big commercial quarry in Mlolongo area. The company's main duties include; manufacturing and supplying of aggregates, civil engineering contractors, premix concrete, precast cement products, road construction contractors and civil excavation works among other duties.

Ryce East Africa LTD

Ryce East Africa LTD was founded over 50 years ago. It focuses on the automobile industry specifically leasing and handling any challenges around motor vehicles.

Other companies associated with Merali include; Sasini EPZ, Sameer Africa Property, Ryce Engineering and Eveready EA PLC among others.