Early Life and Education
Naushad N. Merali, CBS, was born on 2 January 1951 in Mombasa, Kenya, into a family of Indian descent. His grandfather emigrated from India in 1883, settling along Kenya’s coast. His family later moved to Moshi, Tanzania, where Merali attended primary school with his three brothers and three sisters. In 1969, he relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, where he completed his high school education at Highway Secondary School.

Determined to gain financial expertise, he pursued accounting and finance studies in London, UK, at a college on Oxford Street. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future success in business.

Early Career and First Business Ventures
Merali started his career as a finance clerk at Ryce Motors, a vehicle dealership in Nairobi, in the 1970s. In 1975, at just 24 years old, he took a bold step—purchasing the company from its retiring owner with a $2,350 bank loan from Bank of America (now Commercial Bank of Africa Group).

His tenure as Managing Director saw Ryce Motors expand significantly, repaying his loan and turning the company into a highly profitable enterprise. By 1981, he leveraged his growing business acumen to acquire H Young, a construction firm, marking his first major buyout. By 1985, he further expanded his portfolio by leading a consortium—including the Kenyatta family—to acquire Commercial Bank of Africa Group.

Rise to Business Prominence
The Kencell Deal: A Masterstroke in Corporate Maneuvering
Merali is best remembered for his legendary corporate boardroom move involving Kencell (now Airtel Kenya).

• In 2004, Merali exercised his pre-emptive rights to purchase a 60% stake in Kencell from French media giant Vivendi for $230 million.
• Within one hour, he sold this stake to Celtel for $250 million, netting a $20 million profit in just 60 minutes.
• Despite the sale, he retained a 5% stake in Airtel Kenya, ensuring his continued presence in the telecom industry.

This swift business maneuver became one of Kenya’s most famous corporate deals, reinforcing Merali’s reputation as a shrewd and strategic investor.

Sameer Group: Building an Empire
Merali spent much of his career steering the affairs of Sameer Group, a conglomerate comprising 15 companies spanning:
✅ Finance – Sameer Africa
✅ Agriculture – Sameer Agriculture & Livestock Ltd.
✅ Construction – H Young
✅ Technology – Kenya Data Networks, Swift Global
✅ Manufacturing – Kenya’s sole tyre manufacturer, Yana Tyres

Several Sameer Group companies were publicly listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), contributing significantly to Kenya’s economic landscape.

Other Investments and Business Interests
Bharti Airtel Kenya – Merali was the largest individual shareholder before selling his stake in 2014.
Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) – He was a major shareholder in this top-tier Kenyan bank.
Grand Regency Hotel – His purchase of this luxury hotel in 2003 generated significant controversy.

Wealth and Recognition
Merali consistently ranked among Kenya’s wealthiest individuals and Africa’s top business magnates:

• 2011 – Listed in Forbes Africa’s 40 Richest, worth $210 million.
• 2012 – Second-richest in Kenya, with a net worth of $410 million.
• 2013 – Second-richest in Kenya, worth $430 million.
• 2014 – Second-richest in Kenya, worth $550 million.
• 2015 – Third-richest in Kenya, worth $370 million.

Challenges and Business Exits
By 2013, Merali began reducing his business footprint:

• Sold Kenya Data Networks and Swift Global to Liquid Telecom (UK).
• Sold Uganda’s milk processing subsidiary of Sameer Group to Brookside Dairy in 2015.
• Shut down Kenya’s only tyre factory (Yana Tyres) in 2016, citing competition from Chinese imports.
• Despite these challenges, he continued investing, launching a $30 million milk processing plant in Nakuru and a $4 million macadamia plant in Kiambu.

Philanthropy and Social Impact
Merali was deeply committed to philanthropy, donating millions of dollars annually through the Zarina and Naushad Merali Foundation:
✅ $1.17 million to Kenyatta National Hospital for a daycare center.
✅ 30 acres of beach property in Malindi to the Kenyan government for a public beach.
✅ Land donation in Nairobi to establish Jaffery’s Sports Club.

Personal Life
Merali was married to Zarina Merali, a director of the Kenyan Paraplegic Organisation and an interior design consultant.

His family traces its roots to Gujarat, India, and is part of Kenya’s thriving Indian business community.

Death and Legacy
Naushad Merali passed away on 3 July 2021, after a short illness.

His impact on Kenya’s business sector, from telecom and banking to manufacturing and real estate, remains profound.

Honors and Recognition
🏅 Chief Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) – One of Kenya’s highest civilian awards.
🏅 Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) – Recognizing his contributions to business and national development.
🏅 Naushad Merali Drive (Lavington, Nairobi) – Named in his honor.

Final Thoughts
Naushad Merali’s legacy is one of bold business moves, strategic investments, and immense philanthropy. His influence on Kenya’s economy remains significant, and his business acumen continues to inspire entrepreneurs across Africa.