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Founder and Chairman, Bidco Africa
Bhimji Depar Shah (born 1932 in Mombasa, Kenya) is a Kenyan industrialist and founder of Bidco Africa. He began his entrepreneurial journey by operating a petrol station in Nyeri. In 1970 he founded Bidco Industries Limited to manufacture garments and gradually expanded into soap production in 1985 and edible oils in 1991. Under Shah’s leadership, Bidco became one of East Africa’s largest consumer goods companies, producing cooking oil, detergents, beauty soaps and baking powder and operating in 13 African countries. The company generates annual revenues exceeding US$300 million and is Kenya’s leading edible‑oil producer. Shah, who never pursued a formal college degree, has served as chairman of Bidco Africa since its inception and guided the company’s growth while mentoring his son Vimal Shah, who now serves as CEO.
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Bhimji Depar Shah (born 1932 in Mombasa, Kenya) is a Kenyan industrialist and founder of Bidco Africa. He began his entrepreneurial journey by operating a petrol station in Nyeri. In 1970 he founded Bidco Industries Limited to manufacture garments and gradually expanded into soap production in 1985 and edible oils in 1991. Under Shah’s leadership, Bidco became one of East Africa’s largest consumer goods companies, producing cooking oil, detergents, beauty soaps and baking powder and operating in 13 African countries. The company generates annual revenues exceeding US$300 million and is Kenya’s leading edible‑oil producer. Shah, who never pursued a formal college degree, has served as chairman of Bidco Africa since its inception and guided the company’s growth while mentoring his son Vimal Shah, who now serves as CEO.
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
Founded Bidco Industries in 1970 as a garment manufacturer and later expanded into soap production (1985) and edible oils (1991)
Transformed Bidco into a multinational consumer goods company operating in 13 African countries with annual revenues exceeding US$300 million
Developed Kenya’s leading edible‑oil producer and diversified into detergents, beauty soaps and baking powder
Served as chairman of Bidco Africa and mentored his son Vimal Shah, who became chief executive officer
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
Operated a petrol station in Nyeri during the 1960s
Founded Bidco Industries in 1970 and served as chairman
Expanded the business into soap production (1985) and edible oils (1991)
Oversaw Bidco’s growth into a consumer goods conglomerate operating in 13 African countries
Key events that have shaped public perception.
Bidco Africa has faced allegations from civil society groups of human rights and environmental violations, including illegal labour practices, deforestation and tax evasion
Farmers’ associations and environmental organisations accused Bidco of land grabbing and deforestation in Uganda and Kenya, prompting an investigation by the United Nations Development Programme
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Fast answers for readers and reporters.
Bhimji Depar Shah (born 1932 in Mombasa, Kenya) is a Kenyan industrialist and founder of Bidco Africa. He began his entrepreneurial journey by operating a petrol station in Nyeri. In 1970 he founded Bidco Industries Limited to manufacture garments and gradually expanded into soap production in 1985 and edible oils in 1991. Under Shah’s leadership, Bidco became one of East Africa’s largest consumer goods companies, producing cooking oil, detergents, beauty soaps and baking powder and operating in 13 African countries. The company generates annual revenues exceeding US$300 million and is Kenya’s leading edible‑oil producer. Shah, who never pursued a formal college degree, has served as chairman of Bidco Africa since its inception and guided the company’s growth while mentoring his son Vimal Shah, who now serves as CEO.
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