Njenga Karume

Njenga Karume was born in 1929 on Lord Delamare's Soysambu ranch in Elementaita.

Njenga, born to Joseph Karume (later known as Karogo) and Teresia Njeri Karogo, both of whom served as indentured servants under colonial white settlers, was the eldest among eight siblings.

Notably inquisitive and endowed with an affable nature, Njenga fostered a profound bond with his grandfather, with whom he spent the majority of his formative years.

Unfortunately, there were no schools for Africans in Elementaita.

Because of that, Njenga had to go to school in Ndeiya, Limuru at a school called Kahuho-Karing'a Primary school, at the beginning of 1942.

Keen on pursuing further education, Njenga proceeded to Riara in Kiambu after 3 years at Kahuho, but not before being baptized.

Even as Njenga pursued education back in Central Kenya, he later joined his parents when they moved to Elburgon and settled in Marioson Forest in 1944.

As expected in the Kikuyu culture, Njenga had reached the age at which he was expected to undergo circumcision.

He was then admitted to the (njata) STAR age group in 1947.

Now considered a full grown man, equipped with some formal education and eager to fend for himself, Njenga decided to start his life and moved back to Rift Valley closer to his parents.

Karume's initial foray into the realm of commerce transpired during his school years.

He commenced his entrepreneurial journey by engaging in the purchase and sale of books, pencils, and various school supplies sourced from a nearby wholesale establishment, catering specifically to his fellow students within the school premises.

In his memoir, he asserts that his enterprising endeavors resulted in the displacement of the school tuck shop, causing its eventual cessation of operations.

Following the completion of his education, Karume secured employment in a clerical capacity on a farm.

Notably, prior to commencing his duties, he attended a rally wherein a fervent discussion ensued between the white farm owners and the workers.

In the midst of this impassioned debate, Njenga posed a question that significantly displeased the white individuals present, ultimately leading to the termination of his employment.

It was at this juncture that he resolved to abstain from seeking further employment.

He then started trading in charcoal.

He had asked his friend the late John Njenga to join him but he flatly refused claiming that it is dirty work and he is too educated to do such business.

He continued on his own.

He then began saving what he earned in the charcoal business to finance his timber business.

Karume held a diploma in business management from Jeans School (KIA).

While Kenya was still under colonial rule, he formed a wholesale shop on Grogan Road (now Kirinyaga Road) in Nairobi.

It was one of the few shops in Kenya operated by indigenous people.

Later he operated the Nararashi Distributors, which distributed the products of the Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL).

Later Castle Brewing Kenya Limited, a Kenyan subsidiary of South African Breweries (SAB) was formed, with Karume appointed its director.

Karume himself sought to distribute the products of both companies, but KBL was afraid of the competition and cancelled the distribution contract with Karume.

Karume took the case to the court stating the cancellation of the contract was unfounded.

The High Court first ordered KBL to pay KSh 231 million in damages (about US$2.9 million), but upon appeal the decision was overturned and Karume was told to pay KBL for the suit.

As a result, Karume suffered severe financial hurt.

He continued to distribute Castle Beer for a while until SAB left Kenya, finally ending his transport business.

Before his death his empire was valued at close to $200 million and includes the Jacaranda Group of Hotels under Jacaranda Holdings Limited, Karume Holdings Limited and Cianda Holdings Limited.

His empire is diversified into three main areas – hospitality, real estate and agriculture.

Karume joined politics in 1974 as a nominated Member of Parliament and in the three subsequent elections held in 1979, 1983 and 1988 Karume vied for and won the Kiambaa constituency seat.

While Jomo Kenyatta was still the Kenyan president, in 1976, Karume joined number of other politicians including Kihika Kimani and Paul Ngei forming the "Change the Constitution Movement" attempting to change the Constitution of Kenya such that then Vice-president Daniel arap Moi would not inherit the presidency upon Kenyatta's death.

This was to prevent a non-Kikuyu president.

Between 1979 and 1988 he served as an assistant minister.

Karume was an active figure in the G.e.m.a. association.

James Njenga Karume (1929 – 24 February 2012) was a Kenyan businessman and politician.

He was born in Elementaita, Nakuru District.