- He was orphaned at a young age, and he got his first job at just 6 years old, earning Sh.4.
- He is one of the Rwathia Billionaires, who come from the same village in Murang’a. Other Rwathia billionaires include Gerishon Kirima, Peter Munga, James Mwangi, Benson Wairegi, Chris Kirubi, and others.
- He is popularly known for founding Sabina Joy, an entertainment joint that has been in existence since the 1950s.
Billionaire Gerald Gikonyo died on Thursday last week at the age of 110 years at his home in Nairobi’s Central Business District. A statement released by Kanyuira Gikonyo, the family spokesman, indicated that Gikonyo died due to complications related to old age.
As the founder of Sabina Joy, it is no doubt that the late billionaire lived his life to the fullest. He was an astute businessman, and his other businesses include Rwathia Distributors, Magomano Hotel, New Kinangop Hotel, Timboroa Hotel, and Alpha Hotel.
He also owned several high-rise commercial and residential buildings spread across Nairobi.
Here are some interesting facts about the late billionaire Gerald Gikonyo:
He started working at 6 years old
Gikonyo lost his mother in 1918 when he was only 4 years old, followed by his father in 1922. The loss of his family breadwinners forced Gikonyo to find work at just six years old to support himself and his siblings.
His first job was as a farm help at Mathari Catholic Mission in Nyeri, where he tended to coffee bushes in the coffee estates. He earned Ksh.4, enough to meet his bills then and share part of it with his siblings.
At age 12, he moved to Nairobi alongside other Rwathia village mates like Gerishon Kirima, now deceased. He got a job at the Kenya Coffee Planters Union (KCPU), where his salary increased to Ksh.20.
He also sold vegetables like kale and cabbages in Marikiti to top up his income. He also hawked vegetables and second-hand clothing in neighborhoods populated by Indians.
Gikonyo said in a past interview that they formed a savings group with his friends to save money and buy land in the city. His first acquisition was a hotel and prime land, which he still owns to date.
He was a polygamous man
Gikonyo was a proud polygamous man, and he had four wives and 23 children, some of whom manage his vast businesses and real estate. His firstborn was born in 1936 and the last born in 1972.
In a past interview with the Daily Nation, Gikonyo estimated his grandchildren to be over 300, and at least 100 great-grandchildren. His extensive family plays a crucial role in the growth and expansion of his business empire.
He loved his meat, beer, and tobacco
While doctors recommend eating less meat and drinking less beer to avoid lifestyle diseases, Gikonyo ignored modern health advice.
He loved his nyama choma and goat ribs, and occasionally imbibed traditional brews and modern beer. He also loved his tobacco.
He intentionally refused to learn how to drive
Gikonyo was among the first Kenyans to ever own a car, an Austin A30. He partnered with a friend to raise Ksh.150 each to buy their first car for Ksh.300. At the time, owning a car was a rare spectacle for an African like him.
However, despite Gikonyo attaining this rare feat, he deliberately refused to learn how to drive, citing how vehicles violently kill people. Despite attaining billionaire status, Gikonyo opted to hire a driver to help him run his errands.
He was exempted from paying parking fees in Nairobi CBD
In April 2017, Gikonyo was awarded a Lifetime VIP award by then-president Uhuru Kenyatta and pioneer Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero. He was honored for his contribution as a pioneer businessman and employer.
Gikonyo was handed the “Key to the City” for his multi-million businesses that have employed over 100,000 people across the country. The award exempted him from paying parking fees in the capital and granted him free access to City Hall officers and functions at no cost.