Kenyan businessman John Kimani to receive Ksh105.1 million dividend from Kakuzi

Kenyan businessman John Kimani is poised for another payout from his long-term investment in Kakuzi Plc, as the Nairobi-based agricultural firm returns to profitability and resumes higher shareholder distributions. The recovery positions Kimani, the company’s largest shareholder, to receive a dividend of Ksh105.1 million ($810,000) this June, reinforcing the value of his early bet on the agribusiness.

Kimani holds 33 percent Kakuzi stake

Kimani, who serves as a non-executive director and is a member of the Agricultural Society of Kenya and the Avocado Exporters Association of Kenya, holds a 33.53 percent stake in Kakuzi, equivalent to 6,570,947 shares. His holdings are valued at more than Ksh2.81 billion ($21.6 million) at the time of drafting this report. The dividend payment reflects the company’s improved earnings and renewed focus on rewarding shareholders after a challenging year.

The payout forms part of a final dividend of Ksh16 ($0.12) per share proposed by the board, totaling Ksh313.6 million ($2.42 million). The dividend, scheduled for electronic payment on June 15, is double the amount declared in 2024. The increase follows Kakuzi’s return to profit in 2025, supported by stronger avocado exports, lower operating costs, and steady income from forestry, livestock and blueberries. The rebound allowed the company to raise its dividend and signal confidence in its operations.

Revenue climbs to $41 million in 2025

Kakuzi, headquartered in Nairobi with operations in Makuyu and Nandi Hills, reported a net profit of Ksh387.6 million ($3.01 million) for the year ended 2025, reversing a loss of Ksh131.7 million ($1.01 million) in 2024, according to its latest financial statements. Pre-tax profit climbed to Ksh568.4 million ($4.37 million), compared with a pre-tax loss of Ksh166.7 million ($1.28 million) a year earlier.

Revenue also improved, rising to Ksh5.37 billion ($41.4 million) in 2025 from Ksh4.79 billion ($36.9 million) in 2024. Avocados remained the company’s largest contributor, with sales increasing to Ksh3.46 billion ($26.6 million) from Ksh2.56 billion ($19.7 million). Revenue from forestry, livestock, arable farming and blueberries rose to Ksh677.06 million ($5.21 million), up from Ksh595.71 million ($4.6 million).

The improved earnings strengthened the company’s balance sheet. Total assets grew to Ksh6.82 billion ($52.5 million) as of Dec. 31, 2025, from Ksh6.6 billion ($50.8 million) a year earlier. Total equity increased to Ksh5.57 billion ($42.9 million) from Ksh5.33 billion ($41.06 million), while retained earnings edged up to Ksh5.11 billion ($39.4 million) from Ksh5.04 billion ($38.82 million), reflecting gradual recovery.

Diversified holdings boost Kimani’s investor profile

Beyond Kakuzi, John Kimani has built a diversified investment portfolio across Kenya’s corporate sector. He holds an 11.06 percent stake in Centum Investment Company, owns 3.86 percent of Nation Media Group, and holds 27.7 million shares in Safaricom, East Africa’s largest telecom operator. The latest dividend from Kakuzi adds to Kimani’s growing returns from listed companies, highlighting how steady investments in agriculture and telecommunications continue to shape his position among Kenya’s most influential investors.