Awadh Saleh Sherman
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Swaleh Nguru Sherman (Arabic: عوض صالح شرمان النهدي (4 October 1932 – 21 May 2024) was a Kenyan business magnate, investor and philanthropist. He was of Yemeni[2] descent and started out from humble beginnings as a fish monger selling Kingfish "Nguru".
Swaleh Sherman(Swaleh Nguru) | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 October 1932 |
| Died | 21 May 2024 (aged 91) |
| Occupations | Businessman, Conservationist, Philanthropist |
| Years active | 1950–1972 |
| Known for | Net Worth,[1] Business Ventures, Conservation, Philanthropy, Land Ownership |
| Spouse |
Dalila (m. 1960) |
| Children | Awadh Saleh,Said Swaleh,Farouq Swaleh |
| Parent(s) | Saleh Salha |
He was of significant net worth and owns some of the largest ranches in Kenya. Despite, being one of the biggest land owners in Kenya, he was also recognized by the Government of Kenya and the United Nations for his philanthropic efforts in protecting and helping Somali refugees, and for his conservational efforts around Kenya.[3] http://kenyalaw.org/caselaw/cases/view/116850
Early life
Swaleh was born in Bondeni, Mombasa.. He is the eldest of eight siblings.. At an early age he set up a bicycle repair shop in Tudor, which later became Swaleh Nguru Garage. The garage was very popular with historical figures such as Jomo Kenyatta and Tom Mboya.
Business career
Swaleh started Swaleh Nguru Garage, repairing and selling second hand vehicles. He later, invested heavily into real estate, construction and ranching. At one point he owned a third of Mombasa Island, mainly the town of Majengo. He later subdivided the land into sub-plots and sold them.[4]
He is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Kilindini Warehouses and AGRO Processors, which are some of the major corporations in his conglomerate. He has traded in other commodities such as grain, tea, coffee and nuts. He owns one of the largest sisal plantations in Kenya at Taru, making him the main sisal producer and exporter.[5] He also owns several large real estate in Kenya, which have been a topic of controversy in the media with relatives claiming rights to his wealth and squatters being evicted on his land has caused riots.[6][7]
Philanthropy
Recognition
Swaleh Nguru Road in Tudor was named in his honor. He has also received the Head of State Commendation and several recognitions from UNEP, UNHCR, and WFP.
Personal life and death
He is a billionaire who does not like to be involved in politics. His family is known to be very philanthropic. Although they do not disclose their charitable work, they have been known to donate much of their wealth for feeding programs and land settlements of displaced peoples.[10]
Sherman died on 21 May 2024, at the age of 91.[11]
See also
Notes
Awadh is referred to as Swaleh Nguru. His father was also referred to as Swaleh Nguru.