Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich, commonly known as Buzeki, has carved out a prominent presence in Kenya through his business ventures, philanthropic efforts, and involvement in politics.
He is particularly renowned in the Rift Valley region and is considered one of its wealthiest individuals. This article delves into how he meticulously built his thriving multi-billion business empire:
Buzeki’s Early Journey
Buzeki embarked on his career in Kilifi county by working as a hawker for a milk factory, earning a modest daily wage of Sh80. His dedication and competence led to his rapid progression within the company.
Starting as a hawker, he advanced to become a salesperson, and without any formal training, he demonstrated exceptional skills that earned him a promotion to the position of sales manager.
His tenure as a sales manager marked the conclusion of his employment phase, as he decided to transition into entrepreneurship, seeking new horizons and opportunities.
The Genesis of Buzeki’s Business Ventures
Drawing from his experience in the milk industry where he had worked as a hawker, off loader, and salesperson, Buzeki founded a milk distribution company in Mombasa.
Starting on a small scale, his profound understanding of the industry propelled him to emerge as one of the principal milk distributors in the Coastal region.
After eight years of dedicated involvement in the business, Buzeki displayed his tenacity and ambition by purchasing the very company that had once employed him, Kilifi Plantations.
This marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to incorporate the business into his expanding portfolio.
Subsequently, Buzeki pursued further expansion by acquiring factories in Limuru and Molo, thereby solidifying his standing in the dairy industry.
Diversification into New Avenues
Following his triumphs in the dairy sector, Buzeki’s appetite for growth led him to explore new investment avenues, notably in the logistics domain.
He established a transport company, and his fleet of trucks became recognizable across the East African region, prominently displaying his brand name.
While the visibility of his branded trucks garnered attention, Buzeki emphasized that his roots in the dairy business were instrumental in his overall success.
In a significant development, Brookside Dairies acquired his Kilifi and Molo companies in 2013, a transaction estimated to be valued at Sh1.1 billion.
Buzeki’s Political and Philanthropic Engagements
In addition to his business endeavors, Buzeki has also made noteworthy contributions in the realm of Kenyan politics. He entered the political arena in 2017 by contesting the Uasin Gishu County gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate, although he faced defeat against the incumbent.
Buzeki’s philanthropic side is evidenced by the establishment of the Buzeki Foundation, an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering farmers.
Through the foundation, he facilitates training sessions that educate farmers about modern agricultural techniques while also providing them with indigenous seeds to diversify their crop varieties.
In a nutshell, Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich, or Buzeki, has risen to prominence in Kenya through a multifaceted journey encompassing business acumen, social responsibility, and political engagement.
From his early days as a milk factory hawker to his emergence as a dairy industry tycoon and subsequent ventures into logistics, his dynamic career trajectory underscores the embodiment of resilience, ambition, and a commitment to contributing positively to his community and nation.
