Dr. Naushad Noorali Merali, a billionaire Kenyan with Indian roots, passed away on 3rd July 2021. The billionaire businessman wore several hats including being an investor, an industrialist, a father, and a role model to many. This article looks into Naushad Merali’s biography, shedding light on his accomplishments, personal life, career journey, and net worth.
Dr. Naushad Merali Age and Place of Birth
Dr. Noorali was born in Kenya in 1951, on 2nd July. His ancestors were however from India, where they also practiced business and entrepreneurship. For instance, Mr. Merali is linked to the Patel family, a name that became popular for their several chains of businesses.
Dr. Naushad Merali Education Background
He began schooling in Nairobi and is an alumnus of Highway Secondary for his high school education.
Dr. Naushad Merali Businesses and Investments
1. Airtel Kenya
Dr. Merali’s career kicked off in the 1980s when he served as Kenya Tea Company’s director. Together with Vivendi, Dr. Naushad co-founded Kencell, the firm that has morphed into present-day Airtel Kenya. He then owned 0.4 of the company with the French firm owning 0.6, the remaining share part of which he purchased in 2004. The businessman made headlines when just sixty minutes later, he sold the acquired o.6 stake of Kencell to Celtel making a Ksh 1.6 billion profit.
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2. Sameer Group
Arguably his biggest legacy, Dr. Naushad founded Sameer Group named after one of his children. The conglomerate started off in the tyre business buying out Firestone and rebranding it Yana Tyres which got listed on NSE. Sameer Group is an umbrella of fifteen firms, diversified in multiple industries, a fifth of which trade in the Securities Exchange (NSE). Sameer Group firms deal in the IT sector, telecommunications, agriculture, finance, and so much more.
Dr. Merali’s son, Sameer Merali, borrowed much of his father’s business acumen owning several companies already such as Sameer Business Park, EPZ, Nandi Tea Estates, Industrial Park, and Ryce East Africa among more.
Dr. Naushad Buyouts and Shareholdings
The late billionaire built much of his riches from buyouts where he bought struggling firms, rebranded them, and sold them at a profit or owned them from then on. These firms included Ryce Motors and Equatorial Bank.
The late billionaire was additionally a shareholder in the commercial Bank of Africa, full ownership of Grand Regency Hotel, and Swift Global.
Dr. Naushad Merali Personal Life
Mr. Merali was married to his wife, Zarin Merali. Mrs. Zarin Merali is Kenya Paraplegic Organisation’s director and doubles as an Interior Design professional. The couple had two children named Yasmin and Sameer. Dr. Naushad ran a charity foundation with his wife, an endeavor that awarded him the state honor of Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear.
Dr. Naushad Merali Death
Information on his passing was relayed by the Secretariat at Shia Ithna Ashri Jamaat on 3rd July 2021. The causes for Mr. Merali’s death were not revealed in the statement.
| Real Name | Dr. Naushad Noorali Merali |
| Age | 71 (As of his death in 2021) |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Education Level | Doctorate |
| Place of Birth | Kenya |
| Birth Sign | Cancer |
| Year of Birth | 1951 |
| Religion | N/A |
| Spouse | Mrs. Zarin Merali |
| Children | Sameer & Yasmin |
| Profession/Career | Industrialist, Philanthropist, Investor |
| Net Worth | $370,000,000 |
