Ambwere: Vihiga Tycoon Without Formal Education Who Made Billions From KSh 38

• Ibrahim Ambwere lost his parents while young and did several odd jobs, including a sweeper, before becoming a carpenter
• Ambwere rose to own numerous properties in major towns like Nairobi, Kitale, Kakamega, Chavakali, and Kisumu despite not having a formal education
• The shy billionaire famously offered to pay teachers KSh 48 million after their salaries were delayed

One of the wealthiest entrepreneurs from Western Kenya once offered to pay all teachers when their salaries were delayed by the exchequer.

Ibrahim Ambwere works as sweeper

Ibrahim Ambwere famously made the offer in the 1980s, saying he was ready to settle the KSh 48 million.

Ambwere, a wealthy businessman from Vihiga county, said he would bail out teachers because he cared for them. However, the offer brought unwanted attention from the government.

The Kitale-based tycoon had humble beginnings and amassed his wealth despite not having a formal education.

The media-shy Ambwere rarely makes public appearances and has numerous properties in significant towns, including Kakamega, Mbale, Kisumu, Kitale and Nairobi.

Born in 1936 in Maragoli, Ambwere's father left to fight in the army when he was four and never returned. His mother passed away when he was eight years old.

Before moving to Nakuru, Ambwere worked in people's farms in Maragoli to make ends meet.

Bizna Kenya reports that he then worked as a sweeper for an Asian employer for 10 years before his employers left the country.

"He left me an old toolbox as a parting gift."

Ibrahim Amwere's properties

Ambwere returned to his home in Chavakali but got a cold reception from relatives. He rented a house and set up a carpentry shop with his KSh 38 savings.

His first big break was in 1963 when the Kaimosi Hospital contracted him to make beds.

"They could not pay and gave me an old ambulance."

From a carpenter, Ambwere rose to become a property owner, putting up prominent buildings that have stood the test of time in Western. His major properties in Kakamega include Ambwere Towers, Ambwere Plaza, and Ambwere Fraha Centre, all located within the CBD.

“He is a billionaire,” says Kassim Ambani, a tenant of one of his buildings in Kakamega.

Despite his wealth and influence, the former chair of the Luhya Elders’ Council never had an interest in politics.

Chris Kirubi's car collection

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Chris Kirubi's car collection was valued at over KSh 90 million.

The late business mogul was the first known Kenyan to own a Mercedes Maybach. '

Other cars in his collection included Bentley and Range Rover.