Ugali is undeniably the most common staple food in Kenya. This explains why there is an influx of maize flour milling companies in the country.
The high demand for maize flour is primarily driven by the high ugali consumption rates in the country. With the skyrocketing price of basic commodities in the country, the government ordered a downward revision of the cost of unga by more than a half on July 18.
However, there’s little known about Kenyan billionaires who make the critical decisions on when and how this staple food commodity is distributed to the over 48 million Kenyans spread across the country.
Here is a list of millers in the country and the men behind the multi-billion companies.
A file photo of maize flour on display at a supermarket in Nairobi. 1. Capwell Industries Limited
The company manufactures high-quality maize flour under the brands Soko Maize Meal and Amaize.
Dalichand Shah is the chairman of the company. He started his career in the industry in 1962 when he joined his brothers in the bakery industry where he remained until 1996 before starting the Capwell Group in 1999. The company is headquartered in the industrial town of Thika.
2. Unga Limited
It manufactures the leading brand of sifted maize meal known as Jogoo, which is a household name in most Kenyan homes.
Key faces at the management of the miller is Isabella Ochola Wilson, the Chairperson of the Board, and Nicholas Hutchinson – the Group Chief Executive Officer.
3. Mombasa Maize Millers
The company is among the largest millers of maize and wheat in the country with branches in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kitale and Nakuru. It produces maize flour under the customised brands Ndovu, Cosmo, Bahari and Swan.
Founded in 1978, it is associated with the family of Mombasa millionaire, Mohammed Islam Ali, who established the company with his brother Ahmed Ali.
Not to be left out is Embakasi-based Alpha Grain Millers, whose origin is Moyale, where it started as a distribution company in the 1970s.
Mohammed Islam Ali – owner, Mombasa Maize Millers
File 4. Giant Millers Limited
Giant Millers Limited is a Kenya-based company that processes, produces and sells maize flour branded Canna Maize Flour. Its managing Director is Agnes Irungu.
Agnes irungu , owner – Giant Millers Ltd
File 5. Pembe Flour Mills Limited
It is one of the leading milling companies in Kenya that manufactures the popular Pembe Maize Flour, which is a recognised brand in many households and is renowned for its consistent quality.
The company is managed by a Tanzania citizen, Riaz Jaffer.
Riaz Jaffer, MD – Pembe Mills Flour Ltd
File 6. United Millers
The company is involved in the production of consistently high-quality flour known as Jambo Maize Meal that is fortified with necessary vitamins and minerals.
The company is owned by a Kisumu-based tycoon, Sunil Shah.
Sanil Shah – owner, United Millers
File Main staples of Kenyan food and cuisine are Maize meal and rice. Ugali is usually served as a white stiff porridge, good for dipping in stews or making into a makeshift spoon when you eat with your hands.
