Gerishon Kirima: From school drop out to building billionaire empire

Gerishon Kamau Kirima. (Courtesy)

Gerishon Kamau Kirima was a prominent Kenyan politician and real estate investor. Born on the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges, Kirima dropped out of school at a young age to help his parents pick tea at their home in Kiruri, Murang’a County.

He served in various political capacities, including as the Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency, Deputy Mayor of the then Nairobi Municipality (now Nairobi City County), and as an assistant minister in President Moi’s cabinet.

Additionally, he chaired the Kenya Butchery Owners Association. Kirima’s life story exemplified the classic “grass to grace” journey. He began his career as a carpenter after securing a job at the University of Nairobi in the 1960s.

Discipline and savings

During this period, he relocated from Kinangop to Bahati in Nairobi to be closer to his workplace. Soon after, he opened a furniture workshop in Kaloleni, entrusting his wife, Agnes Waruguru, to sell the items he crafted in his spare time.

Before becoming a carpenter, Kirima worked as a hawker in Rwathia, Kangema, alongside his childhood friend Gerald Gikonyo. The two sold charcoal, vegetables, and wattle bark to make ends meet. Through discipline and savings from his carpentry business, he ventured into the meat industry, eventually opening Njiru slaughterhouse.

He later expanded his portfolio into real estate, acquiring several properties. His first car was a modest, 10-year-old Peugeot.Kirima eventually partnered with his friend Gerald Gikonyo to co-found Rwathia Distributors, a beer and spirits distribution company for UDV Kenya Limited and East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

Kirima passed away in 2010, leaving behind two widows, Ann Wangare and Teresia Wairimu, numerous children, and a multi-billion shilling estate. His wealth has remained under legal contestation to this day.