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Key Points
- The Kenyan tycoon increased his Centum holdings to 64.53 million shares, investing $1.8 million over nine months.
- His expanded Centum stake strengthens his portfolio, which includes Kakuzi, Nation Media Group, and Safaricom
- Kimani’s growing stake signals confidence in Centum’s recovery, reinforcing its appeal in private equity, real estate, and financial services.
John Kimani, one of Kenya’s richest men, has deepened his stake in Centum Investment Company, purchasing nearly $2 million worth of shares in the Nairobi-based investment firm.
His latest investment strengthens his position as Centum’s third-largest shareholder and reinforces his presence on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), where he is known for strategic acquisitions and long-term investments.
Kimani raises Centum stake to 9.7 percent
Regulatory filings show that by the end of 2024, Kimani had increased his stake in Centum to 9.7 percent, up from 6.9 percent in March.
Over the nine months, he acquired 18.84 million shares valued at Ksh233.6 million ($1.8 million), bringing his total holdings to 64.53 million shares.
This follows an earlier purchase in February 2024 when he bought 10.8 million Centum shares for Ksh90.7 million ($570,000), steadily expanding his stake in one of East Africa’s leading investment firms.
Kimani’s growing shareholding puts him just behind the Estate of the late business magnate Christopher John Kirubi, which holds 29.15 percent, and the state-owned Kenya Development Corporation, with 22.97 percent.
With Centum’s market capitalization at Ksh8.25 billion ($63.7 million), Kimani’s 9.7 percent stake is now valued at Ksh835.7 million ($6.5 million).
John Kimani’s growing investment empire
Beyond Centum, Kimani has built a diversified portfolio across agriculture, media, and telecommunications. He owns a 34.54 percent stake in Kakuzi Plc, one of Kenya’s largest agribusiness firms, with 6.76 million shares.
He also holds a 3.86 percent stake in Nation Media Group, East Africa’s biggest media conglomerate, and 27.7 million shares in Safaricom, the region’s largest telecom operator.
His latest Centum investment reflects confidence in the firm’s outlook as Kenya’s financial markets show signs of recovery. Centum remains a key player in private equity, real estate, and financial services, making it an attractive choice for high-net-worth investors like Kimani.
