Joseph Barrage Wanjui, the renowned Kenyan billionaire, magnate, and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family.
A prominent figure in Kenya, Joe Wanjui was recognized for his vast wealth and diverse business ventures. He excelled as a business tycoon, philanthropist, presidential advisor, and investor with interests in insurance, real estate, hospitality, equity, horticulture, and agribusiness. Famously, he was referred to as the World Bank's Landlord in Kenya.
Early life and educationJoe Wanjui was born on May 24, 1937, in Kiambu County. He began his education at Kabaa Mission School and later graduated from Mang'u High School in Thika with a First Class in the Cambridge School Certificate. He chose the American Air Lift Scholarship to Ohio Wesleyan University over a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine at Makerere University. His academic journey continued at Columbia University, where he became the first Kenyan to pursue a Master's degree in industrial engineering and management in 1962.
In 1964, Wanjui returned to Kenya with Ksh 70,000 in savings. He initially invested in a house in Caledonia valued at Ksh 45,000, two blocks of flats in Eastleigh, and his first car, a Morris Cooper. Later, he acquired 20 acres of prime land in Kentmere, Limuru, to establish Strathbogie Farm. He also developed apartment complexes in Spring Valley, Gigiri, Upperhill, and Mombasa.
