Chris Kirubi Biography – Chris Kirubi Wiki
Chris Kirubi (born Christopher John Kirubi) was a Kenyan businessman, entrepreneur, and industrialist. He was the chairperson of Capital Group Limited and the director at Centum Investment Company, a business conglomerate, where he was the largest individual shareholder. He also chaired: DHL Express Kenya Limited, Haco Industries Kenya Limited, Kiruma International Limited, International House Limited, Nairobi Bottlers Limited, Sandvik East Africa Limited, and 98.4 Capital FM. He was also a non-executive director of Bayer East Africa Limited, UAP Provincial Insurance Company Limited, and Beverage Services of Kenya Limited.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, Kirubi worked as an Administrator at Kenatco, a government-owned transportation company. Starting around 1971, he began buying run-down buildings in the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa, renovating them and either selling the renovated structures or renting them out. He also began acquiring prime land in and around Nairobi, and proceeded to erect rental and other commercial properties, using loans from Kenyan financial institutions. Kirubi’s investments include but are not limited to the following: Centum Investment Company: Chris Kirubi is the largest single investor in the company, whose stock is listed on both the Nairobi Stock Exchange and on the Uganda Securities Exchange. He owns 100% of Haco Industries Limited, a Kenyan household goods manufacturer. 98.4 Capital FM, is a Nairobi radio station, whose shares he owns 100%. Kenya Commercial Bank Group and Nation Media Group.
At one time, Kirubi owned 9.58% of UAP Holdings, an investment and insurance conglomerate that provides investment and insurance services in the countries of Eastern and Central Africa. In 2015, he sold his shares to Old Mutual and exited the stock. In May 2020, Haco Industries sold the BIC brand (stationery, lighters, and shavers) to the French conglomerate Société BIC. The deal brought to an end 40 years of Haco’s BIC franchise. He was involved in a youth mentorship programme dubbed Ask Kirubi. The youth nicknamed him DJ CK. He drove his passion for empowering youth in Africa through online authorship and physical talks in High schools and Universities in Kenya.
In the 2011 Forbes annual rankings of Africa’s richest people in Kenya, he was ranked the second richest man in Kenya and 31st richest in Africa with a net worth of $300 million in the 2011 Forbes inaugural ranking of Africa’s 40 richest people. He ranked behind only the Kenyatta family, who were ranked richest in Kenya in 2011 with a net worth of $500 million. However, in 2012, Forbes dropped Kirubi from the list of Africa’s 40 richest.
Chris Kirubi Age
He was born in 1941 in Kenya. He died on June 14, 2021 aged 80.
Chris Kirubi Wife
He was married but he divorced his wife in 1999. After his divorce he remained single until his death.
Chris Kirubi Children
He is survived by his two children one being businesswoman Mary-Ann Musangi and his son Robert Kirubi who works at Brussels, Belgium.
Chris Kirubi Net Worth
Chris Kirubi’s net worth is estimated to be over US$300 million.
Chris Kirubi Family
Chris Kirubi was born in a humble family and both of his parents died when he was young. He started work while still in school, working during school holidays to support himself and his siblings. Upon graduation, his first job was as a salesman, selling and repairing gas cylinders for Shell, the petroleum conglomerate. He has a sibling named Michael Kirubi.
Chris Kirubi Death
He died on Monday, June 14, 2021, at his home after a long battle with cancer. His media company Capital FM and family confirmed the news of his death. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Christopher J. Kirubi who passed away today at 1 pm at his home after a long battle with cancer fought with fortitude, grace, and courage. He was surrounded by his family,” his family said in a statement.
In November 2017 he was flown to the US where he was hospitalized for four months after being diagnosed with colon cancer. At the time, he said the cancer was detected early enough to be managed successfully.
Chris Kirubi Cause of Death
He died on Monday June 14, 2021 at his home after a long battle with cancer.
