Narendra Raval, popularly known as Guru, rose from a humble temple assistant to billionaire industrialist and philanthropist in Kenya.
Born into a Brahmin family in Gujarat, India, in 1962, Raval’s early years were spent in service as a temple assistant.
In 1978, he seized an opportunity to travel to Kenya to work in a temple in Kisumu, where he received a modest allowance that sustained him.
However, familial obligations led him to abandon his priestly calling and seek alternative means of livelihood.
“When I left the temple, I had to find a means of earning income, so in 1982 I took up a job at a hardware shop and steel mill in Nairobi. While I was at the job, I was saving my income and learning all I could,’ stated Raval in an interview with a local media house.
In 1982, Raval ventured into the hardware and steel industry, taking up a job at a Nairobi-based steel mill. It was here that he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future empire.
Narendra Raval Business Journey
When the company closed its doors in 1990, Raval saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market for affordable building materials.
With his wife by his side, he established Steel Center, a small hardware shop in Gikomba market, Nairobi.
In 1992, he ventured into steel manufacturing, setting up a small rolling mill in Athi River.
This marked the birth of Devki Group, which would eventually evolve into East and Central Africa’s primary steel product manufacturer.
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Today, Devki Group boasts annual revenues exceeding $600 million and employs over 6500 people.
But Raval’s ambitions extend beyond business success.
Giving Back to the Society
He is a devoted philanthropist, channeling his wealth towards uplifting the less fortunate in society.
From providing scholarships to thousands of destitute children to rehabilitating schools and supporting orphanages, Raval’s generosity knows no bounds.
In a recent interview with a local media house in Nairobi, Raval reflected on his journey and shared insights into his success.
He recounted how he turned down a lucrative offer from Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, to buy out his stake in National Cement Company (NCC).
When asked about his immense wealth, Raval remained humble, emphasizing the importance of giving back to society.
He spoke passionately about his philanthropic endeavors, highlighting the joy he derives from supporting those in need.
“The best part of having wealth is giving it away. That’s how I spend money- spreading it and supporting people. We (Devki Group) support thousands of people. When our employees are retiring, we finance them to start their own businesses,” he said.
As for the future of Devki Group, Raval remains optimistic.
Plans are underway for a $200 million cement manufacturing plant in Kajiado, aimed at further solidifying the company’s position in the market.
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Expansion into other parts of Africa is also on the horizon, with Raval aiming to become the largest cement company in Kenya by 2030.
But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Raval’s story is his support for President William Ruto’s bid for a 25-year reign.
Raval’s Open Support for President Ruto
In a bold statement on April 8, 2024, Raval declared his allegiance to President Ruto, citing his vision for the country’s economic prosperity.
“Ruto loves this country so much that I do not have words to thank him. May God give him 100 years of life. I wish that we have this president for at least 25 years, hii nchi itabadilika,” said Narendra Raval
In August 2023, Naval’s company was slapped with a fine of Ksh. 46 million by Competition Authority of Kenya for price fixing as exposed by Business Daily Africa.
Devki Group remits Sh2 billion monthly in the form of taxes which translates to Sh24 billion annually to Kenyan government.
His autobiography, entitled Guru: A Long Walk to Success, was released in 2018.
