This archive report was first published on 3 July 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed his condolences to the family of Naushad Noorali Merali, a renowned industrialist who died on Saturday morning at the age of 70.
According to the President, Merali's passing has left a significant void in the country's progress, as he was a gifted businessman whose contributions to the economy will be deeply missed.
As the chairman of the Sameer Group of companies, Merali's business empire had interests in nearly all sectors of the Kenyan economy, creating thousands of jobs for Kenyans and contributing significantly to the stability of the economy.
One of Merali's notable achievements was the establishment of mobile service provider Kencell in 1995, which further cemented his legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur.
"I have received the shocking news of the passing away of Mr Merali with a heavy heart. The cruel hand of death has robbed our country of a successful entrepreneur whose investments contributed significantly to the economic stability and progress of our country," the President said in a statement.
President Kenyatta also acknowledged Merali's philanthropic efforts, which earned him the 'Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear' State commendation.
Naushad Merali will be buried on Saturday in Nairobi, as per his family's wishes.
