President Uhuru Kenyatta has named Narendra Raval as chancellor of Egerton University, succeeding Prof Shem Oyoo Wandiga. The appointment adds to a trend of business figures assuming academic leadership roles in Kenya.
Early Life and Migration ¶
Raval, born in 1962 in a Gujarat village, migrated to Kenya at 16 in 1978. He initially worked as a temple teacher before launching his business career in Nairobi’s Gikomba market.
Business Empire ¶
Founder of the Devki Group, Raval transformed a small steel processing store into East Africa’s largest construction materials conglomerate. The company includes steel mills, cement producers, and helicopter services, employing over 4,500 people and generating annual revenue exceeding Sh65 billion.
Philanthropy and Education ¶
Despite lacking formal higher education, Raval became one of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals with an estimated Sh40 billion net worth. In 2017, he pledged to donate half his wealth to charity, stating, "I would like other people to study." A 2015 Forbes Africa feature ranked him among the continent’s top 50 richest individuals.
Leadership Philosophy ¶
Raval’s autobiography, Guru: A Long Walk to Success, details his business strategies developed through hands-on experience. A Devki Group tweet highlights his humble origins: "He couldn’t even afford shoes for school." His approach contrasts with traditional management training.
Academic Appointments Trend ¶
Raval joins other business leaders in university chancellor roles, including Manu Chandaria at Technical University of Kenya and Dr. James Mwangi at Meru University. His appointment reflects ongoing efforts to integrate private sector expertise into higher education leadership.
