• Kenya stands out as one of the leading African nations when it comes to the number of millionaires (7,200) and centi-millionaires (16).
• The family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is one of the richest families in Kenya, has embarked on a new venture with the Northlands urban project. This initiative features amenities such as an airstrip.
• President William Ruto owns a private airstrip at his upscale residence valued in millions of shillings located in Moiben, Uasin Gishu county.

Japhet Ruto, who works as an editor for Sport.Bangjo.co.id.co.ke, has accumulated more than eight years of experience in finance, commerce, and tech sectors. He provides comprehensive insights into global and Kenyan economic patterns.

According to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners, Kenya ranks as having the fourth-largest number of millionaires (7,200) and centimillionaires (16) in Africa, marking a 30% increase from 2013 to 2023.

Centi-millionaires are believed to have a net worth exceeding $100 million (KSh 12.9 billion), while those with a fortune surpassing $1 million (KSh 129.5 million) are classified as millionaires.

The report highlighted that the affluent accumulate their riches through various channels such as inheritances, stocks and bonds, running international corporations, and selling off their smaller to mid-sized enterprises.

The key figures in Kenya's ultrarich category include politicians and top executives from large corporations who drive fancy vehicles like luxury cars, use private transportation such as helicopters, and enjoy opulent lifestyles.

Several of these magnates possess their own private airfields for added comfort and convenience.

What Kenyan billionaires have their own private airports?

1. Kenyatta family

The family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta ranks among the richest in Kenya.

They have business interests across multiple sectors such as media, agriculture, insurance, hospitality, transport, and real estate.

The family possesses a personal airstrip located in the heart of Ruiru's Northlands area, which they are currently developing.

The Northlands development is anticipated to be a significant real estate venture, with projected costs reaching approximately KSh 500 billion, as reported by Construction Kenya.

It is expected that over 250,000 individuals will reside and operate within the city’s various zones spanning more than 11,000 acres, including residential, business, and manufacturing districts.

2. William Ruto

As reported by Bizna Kenya, President William Ruto owns a private airstrip at his multimillion-shilling residence in Moiben, located in Uasin Gishu County.

It was disclosed that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) sought tenders for constructing an airstrip near Ruto's 900-acre property in Kilgoris.

Situated on a 20-acre plot of ground, the property features six luxurious residences in front of the main house, as well as an artificial lake.

Ruto often portrays himself as an experienced striver whose journey epitomizes the story of "from rags to riches."

The politician stated that his current position was achieved through hard work, beginning his career as a seller of groundnuts and chickens along the Eldoret-Maloba highway.

3. Humphrey Kariuki

The Hub Karen's billionaire owner, Humphrey Kariuki Ndegwa, keeps a low profile despite his immense wealth.

In the tight-knit community of his birthplace, the small town of Nyeri, only a few residents could put a face to the name. Nevertheless, he gained widespread attention due to allegations of tax evasion.

The entrepreneur with his own landing strip at the Fairmont Hotel in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, established the Janus Continental Group, which encompasses various enterprises across sectors such as energy, fuels, real estate, and hospitality.

His enterprises encompass Africa Spirits, Dalbit Petroleum, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, and the Animal Orphanage.

4. Moi family

The Moi clan reportedly boasts a fortune exceeding KSh 300 billion, amassed throughout their father Daniel Arap Moi's 24-year tenure as head of state.

The family has diversified their investments into several sectors such as banking (they hold shares in local financial institutions), oil and gas, insurance, hospitality and tourism, media, production, and aerospace.

Perched on their land in Kabarak, within Nakuru County, lies an airstrip that served both private and governmental aircraft, notably facilitating President Moi's journeys during his tenure.

Even though it isn’t a commercial airport, it accommodates light planes and offers private operators along with VIPs a handy place to land when they arrive in the region.

What Kenyan political figures have helicopters?

The cost of renting a helicopter differs among companies, typically falling between $1,500 (KSh 195,565) and $2,000 (KSh 259,420) per hour.

The best-known brand in Kenya is the AS Aerospatiale 350B3e Eurocopter, produced in France. The typical cost of this model stands at around $1.9 million (or approximately Ksh 246.5 million). However, when assembled locally, the price increases to more than KSh 350 million.

The list of politicians owning helicopters includes Ruto, Uhuru, Ephraim Maina, William Kabogo, Musalia Mudavadi, and Kalonzo Musyoka.