Yaya Centre, Other Mega Properties Owned By Kantaria Family After Acquiring Iconic Mall From Biwott Family

• Former minister Nicholas Biwott's family sold the iconic Yaya Centre shopping mall, Yaya Apartments and Hotel to the Kantaria consortium
• The value of the private transaction involving the two family businesses is estimated at billions of shillings
• Kantaria consortium is run by the family of Rasik Kantaria, whose businesses revolve around the hospitality industry
• Yaya Centre adds up to other multi-billion properties owned by the Kantarias, including the Radisson Blu Arboretum Hotel, Nairobi

Rasik Kantaria-led hospitality consortium is the new owner of Yaya Centre, one of the pioneering shopping complexes in Nairobi.

The Kantaria family business acquired the iconic mall from the family of former Minister Nicholas Biwott in a private transaction.

The deal also saw the consortium acquire high-end Yaya Centre Apartments and Hotel from the family of the late Biwott.

What is the value of Yaya Centre?

According to court papers granting Biwott ownership of the mall in 1997, Yaya Centre was valued at KSh 3 billion then, Daily Nation reported.

This could translate to multi-billion shillings in present property value, whose details remain scanty due to the nature of the transaction between the two families.

Yaya Centre Mall, Hotel and Apartments deepen the Kantarias hospitality business, increasing their mega property ownership in the country.

Here is the list of multi-billion properties owned by Kantaria Consortium;

Prime Bank

Prime Bank Ltd is one of the leading private banks in Kenya founded in 1992 and headed by Rasik Kantaria as the board of directors chairman.

The lender boasts a network of 23 branches serving customers for the last 30 years.

Radisson Blu Arboretum Hotel

Radisson Blu Arboretum is located right opposite State House Nairobi. Kantaria Consortium acquired the hotel in 2020.

The hotel was nominated for World Travel Awards in the categories of Kenya’s Leading Business Hotel 2023 and Kenya’s Leading Hotel & Residences 2023.

Capital Centre Mall

Capital Centre Mall is a middle-class targeted shopping centre along Mombasa Road.

The shopping centre was opened in January 2024 as the pioneering mall along Mombasa Road.

It hosts more than 60 stores, restaurants and banks.

West End Towers

West End Towers investment property is situated in Westlands along Waiyaki Way.

According to Knight Frank, it is a modern and exclusive office park with an unrivalled business address, with an estimated service charge of KSh 25 per square foot.

Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort

The resort was formerly known as Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort and is located in Diani, Mombasa.

The Kantaria family acquired Diamond Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in partnership with the International Diamonds Resorts brand.

Properties owned by Kenyan politicians

Yaya Centre, before its acquisition by the Kantaria family, was among the properties owned by leading Kenyan politicians.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula joined the list of wealthiest Kenyans, with investments across diverse sectors.

Having served as MP, minister, and now speaker, Wetang'ula has accumulated wealth worth billions of shillings.

In Syokimau estate in Machakos county, he is the proprietor of 360 Court apartments with ultra-modern amenities, Business Today reported.