A hawker-turns-billionaire, Victor Maina.
Born in Mukurweini and raised in Thika, Victor Maina began his journey as a hawker in Marikiti and Muthurwa markets, selling small items to survive the tough streets of Nairobi. Life was not easy, but his determination to rise above poverty kept him going. He believed that no struggle was permanent and that hard work, faith, and bold decisions would open doors. This background instilled in him a sharp eye for opportunity and resilience in the face of hardship.
After leaving hawking, he ventured into the quarry business. His major breakthrough came in the building industry, where he became one of the first to import advanced machine-cut stone equipment from Italy — a bold move that laid the foundation of his fortune.
In the mid-2000s, Maina boldly diversified into real estate, a venture that significantly boosted his wealth. In 2006, he acquired the iconic building on Ronald Ngala Street at a cost of Ksh 72 million. At that time, the building housed Jack n Jill Supermarket, one of Nairobi’s most recognizable stores. For years, the building stood unfinished and covered in green safety netting, but it symbolized his entry into the world of big property deals. Today, the once-abandoned structure is being converted into Wholesale Mall OTC, positioning itself as a major retail hub. The acquisition of the Mall led to a bitter dispute leading to a court battle and, eventually, the demolition of Jack n Jill in 2013.
Maina’s story did not end with OTC. He went on to build one of Kenya’s fast-growing retail chains — Maathai Supermarkets — which now has branches in Nairobi, Thika, Karatina, Nyeri, Embu, Murang’a, and Meru. He named the chain after the late Professor Wangari Maathai, a woman he deeply admired for her courage and resilience. His chain competes directly with major players, having opened its first Nairobi CBD outlet in 2014.
Beyond retail, Maina has invested in real estate, hospitality, and entertainment. He owns Klub Image Hotel and Klub Liquid Cash in Thika, several flats across the town, and a 17-acre piece of land that has been tied up in a court case for years.
Along Thika Road near Juja, Maina owned a quarry bordering the highway at a time when machine-cut stones were gaining prominence. That same location has since transformed and now serves as the main distribution center for a wide range of goods supplied to his Mathai Supermarket chain.
From selling wares on the streets to owning landmark properties in Nairobi, Victor Maina’s journey is proof that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
Victor Maina has built a diversified business empire brick by brick. His story is not just about wealth—it is about resilience, vision, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
