Industrialist Hasmukh Patel dies at 58

Industrialist and philanthropist Hasmukh Patel dies in Nyali, Mombasa. [Standard, File]

Hasmukh Patel, also known as Hasu, an industrialist and philanthropist who owned Mombasa Cement, has died, according to a statement from family spokesperson Imtiaz Sayani.

Patel, 58, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Nyali, Mombasa County.

"Yes, he has passed on. We will issue a comprehensive statement later," said Sayani.

Family sources revealed that Patel, who had been battling lifestyle diseases for years, developed breathing complications and was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead.

Patel, the founder of Mombasa Cement, was a well-respected philanthropist known for feeding thousands of needy families in Mombasa and Kilifi counties. He also founded Sahajanand Special School in Mtwapa.

But, many Kenyans will remember him for the controversial beautification program in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Malindi towns.

In Mombasa, the company transformed the Kibarani dumpsite into a park and adorned it with wild animal statues, investing approximately Sh700 million in the project.

"He provided clean water and food to thousands in Mombasa and Kilifi. People will remember him for the statues along the streets," said human rights activist Julius Ogogoh.

Patel, a significant shareholder in Uganda's Tororo Cement factory, owned various properties worldwide.

He attended Aga Khan Secondary School before studying in the UK, where he graduated and then returned to join his family's business.

The family established the iconic Mombasa Cement factory in the mid-2000s, now one of the leading cement producers in East Africa. In a previous interview, Patel mentioned that he owns 2,800 acres of land where the factory operates, producing two million metric tons of cement and one million metric tons of clinker annually. He was also a shareholder in Corrugated Sheets at Mikindani.

"Our feeding program at Sahajanand Feeding Centre provides meals to over 50,000 needy people," Sayani said in an earlier interview.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir remembered Patel for his generous support for the poor. "Mr. Patel will be remembered for his active participation in Mombasa's community affairs and his generosity toward the underprivileged," said Nassir.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro also praised Patel as a respected family man who consistently supported and cared for his community.