George Ruto's Businesses

George Ruto, son of Kenyan President William Ruto, runs several businesses, primarily in the transportation, sports, and apparel sectors. His ventures reflect his interest in Nairobi's matatu culture and the promotion of soccer. After graduating from university, George opted against a political career and instead invested in public transportation, a key economic sector. His first major acquisition was a custom-designed matatu named "Manifest," valued at 8.7 million Kenyan shillings, equipped with a modern interior, digital entertainment, and advanced security technology. Building on this success, George expanded his fleet with other popular, high-quality matatus serving key urban routes in Nairobi and the Rift Valley. His growing business reflects a conscious commitment to modernizing local transportation standards through improved management, enhanced customer experience, and appealing vehicle aesthetics. Despite his prominent background, George largely avoids the public eye. He has a strong interest in expanding into logistics, tourism transportation, and fleet technology. With the financial backing of his family, aptly nicknamed GK, George is able to invest in businesses he is passionate about. George owns a fleet of luxury Raptor Family matatus (public transport vehicles), including Raptor (currently being refurbished), Money Fest (Embakasi route), Matrix (Ngong Road), and Mood (a 25-seater with a DJ booth and solar panels). These operate on Nairobi routes such as Ngong, Ongata Rongai, and Embakasi. Mood reportedly earns between 20,000 and 80,000 Kenyan shillings a day. He invested 8.7 million Kenyan shillings in Matrix to improve its profitability, despite previous NTSA compliance issues related to Money Fest. His company, 82 Sports, provides football content, organizes tournaments, and supplies sportswear such as team kits. George also supports the Jamhuri Soccer Academy, which sources its equipment from his clothing line. Recent reports indicate a new sports consultancy for talent management in soccer and athletics, utilizing funds from Kenya's gambling law. Tisap Threads sells affordable, Kenya-inspired clothing such as hoodies (2,500 KSh), crop tops (from 2,000 KSh), boxer shorts, and T-shirts. The company sponsors the Jamhuri Soccer Academy and promotes its products with the slogan "Brave, beautiful, and protected." Some reports link him to companies such as Golf Charlie Investments Limited (beneficial owner/director/shareholder), Nerami LLP (partner), TBT The Biashara Team Limited, X Fold Limited, and Seil Investment Limited (via public records from business registries). He founded Lisha Mkenya (established 2020), a non-profit humanitarian initiative (tied to Strathmore University's Community Service Centre) focused on aid to drought-affected areas in Northern Kenya, skill training, mentorship, and community empowerment—not a for-profit business but a notable venture. George is also a licensed pilot (trained in the UK and registered with the Kenya Airline Pilots Association) after graduating with a degree in Actuarial Science from Strathmore University. His business approach is often praised for creativity and independence, with his matatu fleet shaking up the industry through premium features and strategic operations. https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/615838-george-rutos-businesses-list-4-companies-son-owns/ https://streamlinefeed.co.ke/persons-of-interest/george-kimutai-rut https://biznakenya.com/owned-by-ruto/ https://mwakilishi.com/article/entertainment-news/2024-09-18/george-ruto-buys-sh87m-matatu-makes-surprise-call-to-employee