The number of Kenyan billionaires has in the recent with the list of business magnates increasing at a lengthy rate.
According to the latest report from Oxfam International, between 2016 and 2021, the number of individuals whose net worth hit over Ksh56.7 million grew from 80 to 120.
These stunning statistics indicate that the business culture is growing at an all time high with various business moguls establishing their empires.
However, on the other side of the scale, not much is known about their lives as they tend to live a reclusive lifestyle.
In most cases, their hobbies are perceived by the ordinary as "reserved for the rich." A notable case is the game of polo; a sport that has burst into the scene in the recent past.
Baringo Senator cum KANU party leader Gideon Moi is a notable and renowned player-as he has dominated the sport over the years. So successful is his trade, that his sons, Kigen and Kimoi, took after him- making a mark in the sport as well.
Also Read: Most Valuable Kenyan Footballers
Gideon, is the captain of his team , Royal Salute, and has gone toe-to-toe with his sons on numerous occasions with each scoring victories over the other. On the other hand, golf has been perceived as a game exclusive for the rich- due to the expenses it takes in order to join a golf club member.
According to the Karen country club official website, members are required to pay an entry fee of Ksh110,000 in four equal installments.
At the same time, a complete set of golf clubs can go up to Ksh113,660 but the affordable clubs can range from Ksh28,000 to Ksh40,000.
However, the sport was a constant for former President Mwai Kibaki who is regarded as a world class golfer. He was inducted into the Kenya Open Hall of Fame in 2018 for his contributions to the sport.
Other personalities in the hall of fame include former Central Bank of Governor, Duncan Ndegwa, Joe Wangai, Inder Talwar, David Ferrar, Sam K Kamau, Jeremiah Kiereni, Nguri Kiuna, Peter Coombes among others.
Paul Wekesa is a classic case of talents from rich families who went on to become renowned stars on the international scene.
Son to former Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa, Paul has been actively playing tennis for over two decades- winning three doubles title and was ranked among the top 100 globally.
The sport is in various categories; from lawn, mini, to single and double matches-hence offers a variety for the sports enthusiasts to enjoy. Jeremy Awori, one of the highest paid CEOs, who has been at the helm of Absa Bank since June 2013.
Previously, he was the Chief Executive of Standard Chartered branch in Tanzania. He enjoys swimming on many occasions while his son, Marcel Awori is an upcoming athlete who plays American football for Boston University in USA.
Further, late billionaire Chris Kirubi would indulge himself in the game of Chess from time to time. The billionaire magnate would often tweet quotes referencing to the sport- giving out life lesson in the process.
"The most powerful weapon in game of chess, just like in life, is to have the next move in sight! Like in this game, critically think about your life. Forethought wins," Kirubi tweeted in February 2019.
Other sports that have peaked the interests of the reclusive billionaires include fencing, snorkeling, horse racing among others.
Notable mention
Billionaire Bhimji Depah Shah, ranked as the second richest person in the country, is engaged in sports but in the background scene- he is the founder and chairman of Bidco United Football Club that plays in the Kenya Premier League.