Chamanlal Kamani's Biography, Age, Spouse, Tribe, Real Name, Networth and Lifestyle Wikidata | Claim this profile

Chamanlal Kamani's Biography in Summary

Chamanlal Kamani is a well-known name among Kenyans. He arrived in Kenya in 1950 with only Ksh 16, and within a short time had earned tremendous riches both in Kenya and abroad. He originally came to public attention in the 1990s when he sold Mahindra jeeps for Ksh 1 million each after purchasing them in India for Ksh 150,000. In 2004, his name was cited negatively in the Ksh 55 billion Anglo-Leasing affair.

Family Wealth and Businesses

Chamanlal Kamani is a Kenyan Indian billionaire with interests in construction, agriculture and hospitality. He first arrived in the country from Goa, India in 1950 after being invited by his cousin who was an accountant in the colonial police. At the time of his arrival, he had only Ksh 16 on his name and had to work as a mechanic in the East African Marshalls to make ends meet.

He is married to his wife Sushila Priyaben in Mombasa and has 4 children - Rashmi, Deepak, Sudha and Preeti Kamani. Kamani moved to Nairobi where he opened an 'African Auto Parts Store' along Tom Mboya Street. Deepak Kamani, the most ambitious kid, joined the family business at the age of 17 after dropping out of high school while in his sophomore year. According to undercoverafrica.com, Deepak ranks last in most school activities.

The Controversies

Through Kamsons Limited, the Kamani family acquired significant multi-billion shilling government tenders. In the 1990s, the business secured a contract to redesign all police vehicles in Kenya. They imported Mahindra jeeps built in India, which they sold to the government for Ksh 1 million each after purchasing them in India for Ksh 150,000. After a few years, the vehicles began to break down due to a shortage of replacement parts and local knowledge to manage the vehicles. The Mahindras were grounded due to problems within months, according to the Daily Nation.