Table of Contents
Key Points
- Sarbjit Singh Rai founded Sarrai Group, expanding it across East and Southern Africa, with key operations in sugar, cement, and wood processing.
- The group owns multiple sugar, wood processing, and manufacturing companies, making it a key player in the region’s economy.
- In 2021, Sarrai Group secured a 20-year lease to revive the struggling Mumias Sugar Company, solidifying its dominance in the sugar industry.
Sarbjit Singh Rai is a well-known figure in East Africa’s industrial sector, renowned for his remarkable business success and the sustained growth of Sarrai Group, one of Uganda’s leading industrial conglomerates. His journey has firmly established him as one of Africa’s most influential industrialists.
Born into one of Kenya’s most respected business families, Sarbjit has built a diverse empire spanning sugar production, wood processing, manufacturing, and cement, with operations in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
While his cousin, Jaswant Rai, chose to focus on the family’s sugar business in Kenya, Sarbjit took a different path. He expanded his business beyond Kenya’s borders, securing his place as a key player in the broader East African business scene.
Building an industrial legacy in Africa
Sarbjit Singh Rai’s journey in the business world is grounded in a family legacy that stretches back decades. His father and uncle, Indian immigrants to Kenya, laid the foundation for the Rai business empire with their ventures in trading and manufacturing, which would eventually grow into industrial powerhouses.
Instead of staying in Kenya to run the family business, Sarbjit ventured to Uganda, where he founded Sarrai Group—a conglomerate now regarded as one of the most influential industrial players in East and Southern Africa.
Under his leadership, Sarrai Group has seen impressive growth, acquiring major companies and branching out into diverse industries. His business interests span from sugar mills to cement factories, reflecting a clear, long-term strategy that has reshaped East Africa's industrial sector and solidified his position as a key player.
Rai's resilience amid family legal battles
Rai’s journey to success has not been without its hurdles. His family’s legacy is mired in legal battles, particularly with his cousin Jaswant Rai, a key figure in Kenya’s sugar industry. The two are embroiled in a bitter dispute over their late father's inheritance, a case that has captured significant media attention and divided public opinion.
Amid these personal and legal challenges, Rai has kept his focus on expanding his business empire. His ability to stay determined and resilient during this turbulent period, continuing to drive his ventures forward with strategic acquisitions and investments, speaks volumes about his leadership.
Reviving a defunct sugar giant
A turning point for Sarrai Group came in 2021 when it took on the challenge of reviving Mumias Sugar Company, once a leading player in Kenya’s sugar industry but left in disrepair. Securing a 20-year lease to restore the mill, the deal was met with both praise and controversy. Legal and business disputes followed, but it was clear that Sarrai Group was willing to take risks to seize major opportunities.
Sarrai Group’s influence extends beyond Kenya, particularly in Uganda, where it has become a key player in the country’s sugar industry. The group’s holdings include Kinyara Sugar Limited, Uganda’s second-largest producer, which manufactures 110,000 metric tonnes annually, and Hoima Sugar Limited, which produces 1,500 metric tonnes per day. Through these ventures, Sarrai Group has firmly established its dominance in the region.
Sarrai strengthens East Africa footprint
Rai’s ambitions extend well beyond sugar. In 2024, Sarrai Group made a major move by acquiring a 100 percent stake in Hima Cement Limited from Swiss multinational Holcim for $124 million. Once the deal receives regulatory approval, Sarrai will strengthen its foothold in Uganda and Kenya’s cement markets.
This acquisition is part of Sarrai Group’s broader strategy, which also includes a solid presence in forestry and wood processing. The group oversees more than 15,000 acres through Nile Plywoods and Nile Fiberboards, focusing on the production of MDF boards. In Kenya, Comply Industries, one of its subsidiaries, manufactures plywood, particle boards, and furniture components.
Under Sarbjit Singh Rai’s leadership, Sarrai Group has grown into a major industrial player, with over 10 subsidiaries spread across East and Southern Africa. The company’s reach extends across vital sectors such as agriculture and construction. Through smart acquisitions, targeted investments, and a clear focus on growth, Rai has built a powerful business empire and positioned himself as one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs.
Despite facing legal battles and industry challenges, his determination continues to shape the future of East Africa’s industrial sector. As Sarrai Group continues to expand, Rai’s influence is set to grow even more.
