President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 6, sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of businessman S.Vidhu Shah who passed away at a Nairobi hospital.
In his message of comfort and encouragement, the President described the late Shah, popularly known as Bachubhai, as one of Kenya’s finest and visionary entrepreneurs whose business acumen contributes greatly to the country’s economy.
“Mzee Bachubhai was a true patriot and a nationalist who created job opportunities for many Kenyans through his entrepreneurial exploits. He strongly and truly believed, and lived the Kenyan dream of hard work, determination and success.
“His entrepreneurial spirit saw him establish Sarit Centre, Kenya's first shopping mall in the 1980s when nobody else thought about it. He did not stop at that but moved on to establish several other successful businesses including Text Book Centre which has continued to quench Kenyans thirsty for knowledge,” the President stated.
The Head of State mourned the late Bachubhai as a determined philanthropist who teamed up with other well-wishers to set up Cancer Care Kenya, an initiative that supports Government's efforts to provide affordable cancer treatment in the country.
“As a country, we will always be grateful for Mr Shah's generous contributions in the education and health sectors. Using his own resources, he set up a school in Murang’a County, which has continued to be a centre of excellence.
“We also appreciate his support in tackling cancer through Cancer Care Kenya, where he was the main benefactor," the President eulogised.
President Kenyatta said Mzee Bachubhai had left a rich and enduring legacy of success and prayed to God to grant his family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
“Mzee Bachubhai was exceptional in his commitment to both business and community, as demonstrated by the success of his businesses and contributions to philanthropic causes. He believed in hardwork, excellence and forging of strong bonds of friendship amongst Kenyans of all walks of life,” the President mourned.
The co-founder of the Sarit Group of companies S.V Shah known to many as Bachubhai has died.
Mr Shah, 86, was a prominent Kenyan businessman and entrepreneur, who owns, among other investments, the Sarit Center in Westlands, Nairobi County.
In a statement, Sarit Centre announced the news of his passing which occurred on April 6, 2021, in Nairobi Kenya.
"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the demise of our beloved chairman and co-founder Bachubhai Shah this morning. Your prayers for the departed soul and the family are very much appreciated," the mall stated.
Another of his companies, Text Book Centre also shared the news describing him as a visionary leader.
"Through his drive and desire to lead change in the education sector, Bachubhai shaped TBC into the company it is to today. He will be remembered for his love and dedication to TBC as a company, brand and family and will be greatly missed," the popular bookseller stated.
Shah, who was also the chairman of the board, co-founded the Sarit Group of companies (which owns Text Book Centre (TBC), Sarit Your City, Kartasi Industries, and others) alongside Maneklal J Rughani.
The two businessmen founded TBC in 1964 as a partnership that went on to grow to become the leading bookstore chain in Kenya.
Shah's entrepreneurial spirit saw him establish Sarit Centre which is Kenya's first shopping mall in the 1980s.
With the slogan, “City within a City”, the mall was geared to encompass the one-stop shopping experience that changed retail forever in Eastern Africa.
The two businessmen however faced challenges when the attempted coup of 1982 nearly trampled their plans to open the business hub
They went on to open the mall after meeting their consultants and deciding to do away with some of the proposals.
The mall opened with only 20% of what was originally conceived and it went on to overcome more economic turbulence to become the most sustainable shopping mall development in Kenya.
"Beyond his successful business ventures, Bachubhai made an indelible mark in the community through his stewardship, personal relationships and championing causes to bring the community closer," TBC added about the tycoon.
