Kenya Women Billionaires: The Story of Amarjeet Patel

The Sankara Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.
The Sankara Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.
File

The Kenyan corporate scene has in the past been dominated by members of the male gender - mirroring many other sectors of the society. 

However, the proverbial glass ceiling is slowly but steadily being broken by trailblazing women who have worked hard to beat societal stereotypes and make a mark for themselves as respected entrepreneurs - and of course, they have made a fortune along the way. 

Kenyans.co.ke tells these stories to inspire and celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation. 

One of the executive sitting spaces inside the Sankara Hotel, Westlands.
One of the executive sitting spaces inside the Sankara Hotel, Westlands.
File

In a report by Knight Frank, Amarjeet Patel was listed as one of the 23 women billionaires who are worth more than Ksh3 billion in Kenya.

However, little is known about Amarjeet as she has managed to keep her life under wraps.

Amarjeet is married to billionaire Baloobhai Patel. She is enjoined as a co-owner of her husband's vast investments that are reported to be over Ksh3 billion.

The couple has invested in a number of industries including gas manufacturing, insurance and banking.

The duo have the single largest stake in Carbacid which is the leading supplier of food grade carbon dioxide used for carbonated beverages. 

In November 2021, Patel increased his ownership stake to 49.9 per cent after acquiring an additional 9.52 per cent stake in the company between June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

Additionally, Patel is a major stakeholder of the luxurious Sankara Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, alongside former Cabinet Minister Charles Njonjo.

Sankara is a highly acclaimed five-star hotel, tailored for what reviewers call the 'business-traveller' market.

Previously, the five-star hotel was granted a 90 per cent excellence rating by travellers who have enjoyed services at the establishment.

Patel is also the owner of Transworld Safaris Limited.

The 83-year-old founded the travel company more than 30 years ago and serves as its Managing Director.

Sitting space inside the Sankara Hotel, Westlands.
One of the sitting spaces inside the Sankara Hotel, Westlands.
File