When one amasses wealth and builds a business empire that generates massive revenue, it is often a dream or plan to pass it on to their children after several years. Nonetheless, there are rare cases where a parent chooses to sell part of their business empire elsewhere after their children fail to take over.
This is the case with Kenyan billionaire Chris Musau, who was first well known in the supermarket industry before shifting to another sector. Although he worked hard on his chain of supermarkets for several years, as he transitioned to a different industry, the business did not remain under his family but was instead sold elsewhere.
Times Digital Kenya takes a look at why Chris Musau chose to sell his chain of supermarkets rather than have his children manage it.
Chris Musau in the Supermarket Industry
Chris Musau first entered the supermarket industry in the early 2000s when he opened Nova Supermarket in Machakos.
The Nova Supermarket mainly operated on Mwatu Wa Ngoma Street in Machakos town, and through its services, it became a staple for local shoppers in the Ukambani region and surrounding areas.
For years, Musau served as the director of the supermarket. According to him, he initially planned for his children to take over the business, but in the end, that did not happen as expected.
Who Bought It and Why He Didn’t Pass it to his Children
When it came time to focus more on another industry, Mr. Musau decided to sell his retail chain to Naivas Supermarket.
Although he had children who were supposed to take over, he chose not to pass it on to them as they showed little interest in the business.
As such, he had no choice but to transfer ownership to Naivas, who at the time were looking to expand into the Machakos market. For him, it was better to sell the Nova Supermarket chains in Machakos and Komarock than see them decline under the hands of children who lacked commitment.
While running Nova, he had a huge drive that saw him wake up every day at 6am and sleep at midnight, but none of his children showed that.
“None of my children were keen on taking over operations of Nova Supermarkets in Machakos and Komarock, which saw me work for eight straight years, starting at 6am to midnight daily,” Musau said in the recent past.
After completing the sale of Nova to Naivas, he shifted to the hospitality industry, opening a hotel. He is well known as the founder of Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos.
A few years ago, Musau, through Maanzoni Lodge, bought the 680 Hotel in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
