List of 10 Biggest Companies in Kenya (2020)

In this article, we shall look at the biggest companies in Kenya?

The economy of Kenya has grown tremendously in the recent past, making it one of the largest economies in East Africa by GDP.

For this reason, companies worldwide have chosen Kenya as their base so they can exploit the abundant opportunities in the robust market.

Kenyan citizens own some of these companies, while others are foreign Investments.

Kenya being fertile ground for businesses to thrive, has enabled these companies to post impressive performance in terms of profits, service delivery to their clients and employees.

Not only that, their employees are among the best paid, making the companies the most sought after by job seekers.

Below is a list of 10biggest companies in Kenya 2020, which can be classified into five categories: Private, international, registered, new companies, and multinationals.

Also, they specialize in manufacturing, transport, financial services, communication, and farming.

Top Ten Biggest Companies in Kenya

Here is a list of the ten biggest companies in Kenya as of the year 2020:

1. Safaricom Limited Company

Safaricom is the leading mobile network operator in Kenya.

It was among the first mobile network operators to pitch camp in Kenya, enabling Kenyans to enjoy the use of mobile phones.

It was founded in 1993 as a department of the Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation. Since then, it has been headed by three CEOs. Michael Joseph, the late Bob Collymore and currently Peter Ndegwa.

Also, read Best companies to work for in Kenya.

Its headquarter is in Westlands Nairobi. It also has branches in most of the urban centres across the country.

Its employees are over 5000 nationwide, and it has also invested in dealership hence ensuring their customers are well taken care of.

Safaricom has approximately 29.5 million subscribers.

 In the year 2019, Safaricom made Ksh. 63.4 Billion Net Profits and its M-Pesa Revenue went up to Ksh. 74 Billion

2. East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL)

EABL, as it is popularly known, is another big company in Kenya. Founded in 1922 it happens to be among the oldest companies in Kenya that have experienced exponential growth over the decades,

It merged with Tanganyika breweries to form East African Breweries LimitedEast African Breweries Limited is popularly referred to as EABL.

The company has branches in other countries such as Kenya Tanzania Uganda and South Sudan.

It specializes in the production of beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. Its leading brand is Tusker 

other brands include all sops lager, senator lager, Smirnoff, among others.

Also, it subcontracts farmers to farm barley for the company got paid a total of KSH 1.2 billion.

In the year 2019, the EABL posted a profit of sh 11.5b after tax.

3. Equity Bank

Another big company in Kenya is Equity Bank. It is not only a financial provider; it is also an investment bank.

With 173 branches countrywide, Equity bank has 38 branches in Nairobi alone.

Equity bank was founded in Kenya in October 1984 as an Equity Building Society. Its intention was and still is to finance customers in the low-income bracket.

From its inception, Equity bank has grown and attracted recognition both locally and internationally.

Its success has opened ways for it to be invited to international forums to share its success story.

Related: Top Construction Companies in Kenya.

Under the stewardship of its CEO, James Mwangi Equity Bank has been able to empower its customers both socially and economically.

In the six months financial year 2019, Equity bank posted Ksh 12 billion 9% increase from the previous year.

4. Kenya Commercial Bank

Kenya commercial l bank is another financial provider and has its headquarters in Nairobi.

It was registered by the central bank of Kenya as a commercial bank and boasted a total of 250 branches in Kenya alone.

KCB Bank Kenya was founded in 1896 by KCB Group as a branch of the National Bank of India in Mombasa.

After independence, the government of Kenya acquired 60% shareholding to make it the majority Kenyan.

In 1970 the Government of Kenya took over ownership of the bank hence renaming it Kenya Commercial bank group.

Its primary services include giving loans, mortgages, and savings for both individuals and corporates.

5. Co-operative Bank of Kenya

Another financial institution, the Corparative Bank of Kenya, is also among the biggest companies in Kenya.

Licensed as a commercial bank of Kenya, the bank has a massive presence in the whole country.

In 1965 the Corporative Bank was registered under the Co-operative Societies Act. And in 2008 it became functional and was incorporated in the Company Act.

It runs three subsidiaries, Kingdom Securities Limited, Co-op Trust Investment Services Limited, and Insurance Agency Limited.

In the first half of the year 2019, the co-operative bank posted a profit of Ksh 10.44 billion.

6. Kenya Airways Limited

Kenya Airways is the leading airline in Kenya. It was founded in 1977 and has grown since then.

The airline is owned both publicly and privately while the Kenyan government owns the largest share.

Its headquarters are at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport, and it is from this airport that it flies to more African countries than any other airline.

It also connects Africa to the rest of the world. Just recently, it has added to its destinations a direct flight to the United States of America.

It has been suffering financially and hence posts losses, but the government has put in place measures to revive it.

7. British American Tobacco Kenya Limited

Also known as BAT, British American Tobacco is also the biggest company in Kenya.

It specializes in the manufacturing of cigarettes for both domestic and export use.

It began its operations in Kenya in 1907 and has since then experienced robust growth hence becoming the leader in cigarette manufacturing.

8. Standard Chartered Kenya

Standard Chartered Kenya is a financial institution that has been licensed by the central bank of Kenya, which is the regulator of national banking.

Starnchart Kenya is a subsidiary of the British multinational financial company. The company is famous for the Stanchart Marathon that takes place annually.

It is the oldest financial institution in Kenya, having been opened in 1911.

Currently, it has 32 branches located in different parts of Kenya.

 9. Bamburi Cement

Chances are the floor in your house or office is made from cement from the Bamburi Cement. Bamburi Cement makes it to the list of the biggest companies in Kenya.

The company is based in the limestone-rich coastal region, and the company produces cement for export to other countries.

Established in 1951, the company started its operations in 1954. Its headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, and employs over 800 people.

Bamburi Cement produces high-quality products, that is why it can export to other countries. Its primary clientele in Africa is Comoros, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Congo, and Seychelles.

10. Barclays Bank

Recently the Barclays Bank has undergown transformation that saw it change its name to Absa Bank. Until then, Barclays Bank has provided financial services for more than 100 years.

During this period, the bank has grown to 120 branches and 234 ATMs countrywide.

Like other banks, it also offers mobile banking and a 24/7 call center to ensure customer satisfaction at all times.

The primary services provided by the bank include; credit cards, personal banking, corporate, investment banking, wealth, and investment management.

Biggest Companies in Kenya Conclusion

The list above is of the biggest companies in Kenya though other companies fall in this category too.

Companies such as the Nation media group, Britam, Total Kenya Cocacola Kengen, and ICEA Lion Group are companies that shape the economy of Kenya.

They hold an essential part in the countries economic stability. Kenya enjoys peace, making it an ideal place for business growth.

Also, the companies are run by competent administrative structures whose primary purpose is to ensure that their productivity is maintained.

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Khaosa is a talented writer who likes to play with words and facts to write amazing pieces. She has contributed many articles on the platform with a goal of empowering Kenyans.

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