Untold story of chris Kirubi: From an orphan to a billionaire
A recent survey we conducted here on Career Point Kenya indicates that most Kenyans admire the man himself, Chris Kirubi!!
It came as no surprise, as Mr. Chris Kirubi has continued to scale the heights of success with many investments under his name and shareholder titles in some of the biggest companies in East Africa.
But where did it all start for Chris? Was he born successful? How has he managed to build an empire for himself in Africa, and Kenya to precise?
As we all aspire and endeavor to be like him, below is how Chris Kirubi has managed to a name for himself. And his compelling story is as follows:
1.Started working in High School
He lost both parents as a young boy and had to work while on school holidays to pay his school fees. He was determined to make it in life and he did not let his circumstances define him. He worked hard and was able to complete school all the way to University out of his sheer sweat.
2. He worked at Shell After College
Chris Kirubi was able to secure a job as a Salesman at Shell, where he sold and repaired gas cylinders.
He was a humble young chap who did not choose jobs. He took on whatever job he was given and became the best at it.
3. His next job was an Administration Job at KENTACO
Chris made a career move and got at job at Kentaco as an administrative officer during the 1960’s and 1970’s. And it was here where he saw a business opportunity
4. Around 1971, he started his own hustle of buying old run down houses and refurbishing them.
Chris Kirubi’s entrepreneurial gift caught up with him when he begun buying the old houses and buildings in various towns like Mombasa and Nairobi. He would then redecorate, rebuild and resell or rent them at a profit.
He took loans from Kenya financial institutions which he used to help him acquire property and land.
At the time, he says, buying property was not as expensive as it is today and not many people were venturing into his kind of business , which made it very easy for him to earn good money.
With the pieces of land he had purchased, he also put up residential houses and commercial buildings for rent, and he found fortune in the land and property businesses he had.
5. He is valued at $300 Million
Mr Chris Kirubi has managed to have lots of property and the iconic International House being among his properties which is home to his Office in Nairobi.
40 residential and commercial properties and not to forget the ongoing majestic Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka that is a spectacle to see.
6. He is placed as number 33 in Forbes’ list of Africa’s richest men
That is to mean that in the whole of Africa as a continent, Chris Kirubi is the 33 richest person, which is such an accomplishment!
7. He’s not only happy about all the money he has, but about the many jobs he has created
He says that money at the end of the day is not everything in life, but what fulfills him is when he sees how many people have landed opportunities through him. He has so many employees in the various companies he has and that alone gives him a great reward of accomplishment and fulfillment.
He also derives joy from accomplishing goals that he has set for himself.
8. Companies under Chris Kirubi
His investments include approximately 29% shareholding in Centum , a 49% shareholding in Harco Tiger Industries Limited, 100% ownership of 98.4 Capital FM , a 9.58% ownership in UAP Insurance and minor interests in a number of listed firms, including Kenya Commercial Bank, Nation Media Group, Standard Chartered Kenya, DHL Worldwide Express Limited and Nairobi bottlers.
9. Advice to Young people
Chris Kirubi who is also a DJ at Capital FM loves interacting with young people. His advice to anyone in their prime years is to ensure that they live within their means.According to the business mogul, there’s no point of spending more than you earn. Young people should use their money wisely, have a good budget and save money!
“ Save before you have the appetite to spend ,” he says.
And there you have it, a sneak peek into the man Chris Kirubi. Like his story tells, no situation is permanent and with the right attitude and determination, success is achievable
By career point Kenya
