Early Life and Education
Manilal Premchand Chandaria OBE, CBS, EBS, was born on 1 March 1929 in Nairobi, Kenya, into a family of Indian descent. His father, an Indian merchant from Saurashtra, Gujarat, migrated to Kenya in 1915, establishing a provisions shop on Biashara Street in Nairobi.
Growing up in Ngara, Nairobi, Chandaria shared a modest home with three other families and assisted his father in the family shop. Reflecting on his upbringing, he once said:
“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but there were at least spoons in the house.”
Academic Excellence in India and the U.S.
Chandaria pursued his education in Kenya and Mombasa before moving to India for higher studies. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Jamnagar India University, Bombay (1949).
His academic journey continued in the United States, where he attended the University of Oklahoma, obtaining:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (1950)
- Master’s degree in Engineering (1951)
After completing his studies, he returned to Kenya, where his family had already established a growing business empire, laying the foundation for his future industrial ventures.
Building the Comcraft Group: A Global Industrial Empire
Upon returning to Kenya, Chandaria and his brother found that their family had expanded into the steel and aluminum industry, thanks to significant holdings acquired during their absence.
His father-in-law, along with a group of investors, had purchased Kenya Aluminium—a collapsed saucepan manufacturing company—in 1929. This small business eventually evolved into the Comcraft Group, a multinational conglomerate valued at over $2.5 billion, with a presence in more than 40 countries.
Global Expansion in Steel and Manufacturing
By the 1950s and 1960s, Chandaria spearheaded Comcraft’s expansion into multiple countries, including:
✅ Ethiopia
✅ Nigeria
✅ Congo
✅ India
✅ Zambia
Over time, Comcraft became one of the world’s largest producers of aluminum and steel products, playing a pivotal role in industrialization across Africa and Asia.
Leadership and Business Influence
Chandaria holds key leadership roles in various organizations, including:
- Senior Member of Comcraft Group
- Chairman, Bank of India Advisory Committee (Nairobi)
- Board Member of multiple East African companies
His extensive business interests span manufacturing, finance, and infrastructure development across more than 50 countries.
Philanthropy: A Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back
As a devout Jain, Chandaria upholds the principle of Seva (selfless service). His family established the Chandaria Foundation, through which they actively engage in charitable initiatives across Africa.
Key Philanthropic Contributions:
✅ Numerous schools and hospitals funded in Kenya
✅ Charitable trusts in 11 African countries
✅ Support for over 25 social organizations
He credits John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford as inspirations for his philanthropy, citing their creation of the Rockefeller Foundation and Ford Foundation as models.
2022 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
In 2022, Chandaria was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for his innovative philanthropic contributions. He was honored alongside:
- Dolly Parton (Singer & Philanthropist)
- Lyda Hill (Philanthropist & Businesswoman)
- Lynn Schusterman (Jewish Philanthropist)
- Stacy Schusterman (Investor & Philanthropist)
The award ceremony was held in October 2022 in New York City, celebrating his global impact on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Peace and Leadership: Advocating for Global Unity
Chandaria is a staunch advocate for peace and interfaith harmony. His leadership includes:
- Patron and Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation (Africa)
- Member of the Global Leadership Council
- Active speaker at Global Peace Festival Conventions since 2010
In 2010, he played a critical role in Kenya’s Global Peace Convention, which was officially opened by President Mwai Kibaki.
Under his chairmanship, the Global Peace Foundation (Kenya) was nominated for the UN Person of the Year Award (2013) for empowering youth through entrepreneurship and community service.
In 2013, at the Global Peace Convention in Kuala Lumpur, he spoke alongside Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, addressing the role of religious tolerance in global peace-building.
Honors and Recognition
🏅 Order of the British Empire (OBE) – Awarded by Queen Elizabeth II (2003)
🏅 Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) – Awarded by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki (2003)
🏅 Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) – One of Kenya’s highest civilian honors
🏅 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2022) – Recognized for his global philanthropic contributions
Personal Life and Legacy
Chandaria is married to Aruna Chandaria, and they have two children:
Daughter: Priti
Son: Neal (involved in the family business)
He resides in Muthaiga, Nairobi, Kenya.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Business, Giving, and Peace
Manilal Chandaria’s life and career exemplify resilience, business acumen, and unwavering dedication to philanthropy.
From humble beginnings in a small provisions shop to leading a $2.5 billion multinational empire, he remains a beacon of industrial success and humanitarian generosity. His impact on Kenya, Africa, and the global business landscape will be felt for generations to come.
