Mukesh Desai: Meet Kenya’s billionaire of the heart

Mukesh is big and generous in both hospitality and conversation. A grandfather now, he plays back the hits of parenthood, which are simply nostalgic tunes of missing out on his daughters' childhood. But he is making up for it with his grandchildren. Taking them to Uhuru Park. Giving them his time. Modelling generosity. It’s part of getting older to do better.

Though much age has taken, much still abides. And as he turns 65, he is a juggernaut at the top of a steep hill, needing just the faintest push to get rolling on his favourite subject: giving.

What’s your philosophy on giving?

To do something for people in need and to bring the poverty level down.

Has it always been a family thing for you?

Yes, we were around 24 of us. My father, mother, father’s brother, his wife, et al. I have one sister and three brothers, and we also had uncles living with us, but in the 70s and 80s, they left for the UK.

I am married with two daughters, but then my brothers also got married, and that meant we almost became 24 again [chuckles]. It’s been 41 years of marriage this February, and my wife is a part of what I do. Because of her, I can do what I do, as well as my family.

There are a million ways to give, but there is only one way to receive. How have you customised your kind of giving?

I have been in philanthropy for the last 40 years. I have always wanted to do more in the education sector, because if you help a child study, he/she will take their family ahead.

Seven years back, we went around the country looking at special needs schools and found out that enrolment was quite low because parents did not like to spend money on them.

Yet special needs children are just as good as normal children. We also found out that fees were a problem, so for the last six years we have been paying fees for the special needs children, and about 5,500 students benefit from it. This is a close project to our hearts.

How has your relationship with philanthropy changed over the years?

When we started, we were doing it on a small-scale, like delivering stationery to schools. I shall be celebrating 65 years of life on June 2, and back in the day, poverty wasn’t that much. There were only a few homes to go and share food with—we had just the Mama Ngina Children’s home and Dr Bernado’s Home, where we would give foodstuffs.

What’s the most satisfying part about giving?

Getting the blessings from the elderly and the students. Seven years back in a primary school we had gone to fundraise for, my wife and I were approached by a young gentleman who told us, “I am the student you are helping pay fees for, and I get uji too from this school.”

My wife cried—someone coming to tell you how you impacted their life, no matter how small. We have been sent by God to do something good—no matter how much wealth one has been given, we are just the custodians.

The smile on the face of the children we help—that is God smiling on us. Philanthropy does not mean giving money; you can give your service or time, because our distribution is done on an individual basis, one-to-one. We are also accountable to our donors, and when someone trusts us with their money, we respect and use it as intended.

What do you know about philanthropy and giving that you wish more people did?

If we keep on the side at least 10 percent of what you earn in a year, it will make a big difference in society. Nearly 55 percent of Kenyans live below the poverty line, and we can help every Kenyan in whatever way we can.

 I also believe that before one goes out to help society, you should see that your family members are taken care of first, and then relatives and neighbours then the public. There is no point in philanthropy when your brother is living in poverty.

You’ve mentioned that you turn 65 in a few weeks. What has been the best part about growing older?

I feel that I am getting younger because of what I do [chuckles]. At this age, and the number of places I go to, people keep asking, where do I get the energy? But it’s because of all these blessings and people and the impact that gives me the energy to continue doing more. I will not stop, no matter how old I get. God has chosen me, and I am privileged that I can serve the people.

What are you doing differently in this half-decade?

Two years back, we launched a project where we were giving library books to primary and secondary schools. So far, we have done 265, and this year we aim to reach hundreds of schools all over the country.

We also have many students who have graduated from university, but there is no work. I wish to get more industries and help them get jobs, but I also want to develop the Tvet (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) courses so they can become self-reliant, like electricians and plumbers. We also want to give more computers to schools in remote areas so the students can learn IT and upskill, a crucial asset.

What have you learned about life thus far?

If you live a simple life and have controlled expenses, life will be good. Do not see what the other person has and covet it. Be happy with your car, because two years ago you did not have a car, but now you have one. Be satisfied with what you have and learn to be satisfied.

Also, what I have learned is that as you grow older, your diet changes, and there are restrictions because you have to take care of your health. When I was in my 30s to 40s, I could eat 10 chapatis. But now, four is more than enough.

What habit has best served you in your life?

I have been a teetotaller. I don’t talk behind people’s backs, I tell people straight how it is. I am diligent and accountable.

What brings you the most joy in your personal life?

I have my family, including extended family, who are my backbone, my wife, and my grandchildren. They are my lifeline. My parents passed on, but they brought us up in such a way that the way I am is because of them.

What is a lesson you picked up from your parents that you are passing on to your grandchildren?

My dad started in quite a humble way—he was working before starting his business, and they’d tell us, ‘Everything you do, you have your limits.’ Take care of your family, community, and the public.

My dad said we owe this country so much. I was born here; my dad was born in India. What we are now is because of this country, and whatever we give back is just a drop in the ocean.

How do you now spend your weekends?

Because my children and grandchildren are in the UK, I spend most with my wife and other family members. But I have a passion for singing. You’ll find me live on Facebook singing because it gives me so much joy and happiness.

We also drive around Nairobi, meet up with friends at social gatherings, but during the weekdays, I visit schools to ensure the uji programmes are running well.

Sometimes I’d go to the CBD just like we used to when young, every Sunday at Uhuru Park. When my grandchildren come, I take them to see where I played—Uhuru Park and The Arboretum.

Sunday morning, my wife and I go for a one-and-a-half-hour walk at The Arboretum to feel the fresh air on our faces, and sometimes we take a picnic breakfast and just enjoy life, haha!

It seems like you have had a full life…

Haha! Yes, no regrets. Continue the good work, bring joy and happiness to people—that is my motto.

As a giver, what is the most important thing anyone has given you?

My daughters have given me grandchildren [chuckles]. I have three grandchildren—two boys and a girl. They are my lifeline. When I had my two daughters, I never gave them much time because I was busy with the family and business. But when they come, like last month, I give them the time I never gave my daughters to my grandchildren.

So, you are a better grandfather than a father?

Haha! Yes, of course. My wife used to take care of the girls when young, but because so many things were happening and I was just coming up in business, I never spent so much time with them. Now I spend time with them whenever they are here or when I go to London. It is very joyful to have grandchildren.

What is the most important question someone has asked you?

Where do you get the energy to do all of this? And I tell them, join me, and the Almighty will give you what I have [chuckles].

Are you happy?

I am very happy. No stress here. If you want to know the value of a cup of uji, then you should be on the ground to see children taking that cup of uji. I don’t like it when people waste food, because I have seen the impact of it. Food to us is like God; we are privileged to have it.

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