EXCLUSIVE: SAMMY WAKIAGA — THE RECLUSIVE TYCOON BEHIND RUSINGA ISLAND LODGE AND NYANZA’S BUSINESS EMPIRE
HOMA BAY/KISUMU, KENYA —
Sammy Wakiaga, the son of the late Senior Chief Semekia Wakiaga, has built a reputation as one of the region’s low-profile but influential business figures, with interests spanning hospitality, real estate, transport, finance and energy.
Wakiaga has previously served on the Agricultural Development Corporation board and in the National Intelligence Service. During the period of the handshake arrangement, he was also posted by the Foreign Ministry as Kenya’s Minister Counsellor to Geneva, Switzerland.
His business interests are associated with Cronicle Group International Limited, whose portfolio is described as including hospitality, transport, finance, energy and commercial property investments.
Among the enterprises associated with the group are Rusinga Island Lodge, Arcade Forex Bureau and Mbita Ferry Limited, alongside commercial properties and petroleum-product distribution interests.
Wakiaga has also been associated with ferry operations on the Mbita–Luanda Kotieno route, an important transport link between Homa Bay and Siaya counties.
COURT BATTLE: COMPANY ORDERED TO PAY KSH2 MILLION
In August 2026, a Kenyan court ordered Wakiaga’s company to pay British national Stephen France more than KSh2 million in salary arrears following a dispute over his employment and termination.
France had reportedly joined the company in 2015 as Chief Operating Officer, earning KSh360,000 per month.
The company disputed having employed France. However, Justice Monica Mbaru found in favour of the claimant after considering a Deed of Settlement acknowledging outstanding payments.
The court found that France was owed KSh2,046,565.57, together with interest at the contractual rate of 12 per cent per annum from May 31, 2021, until payment in full.
The ruling adds a fresh layer to the story of a businessman who has largely maintained a low public profile despite his reported interests across several sectors.
EXCLUSIVE QUESTIONS FOR SAMMY WAKIAGA
How did you build Cronicle Group International from its early beginnings into a diversified business empire?
What is the current ownership structure of Cronicle Group International and its subsidiary companies?
What is your response to claims that you are among Nyanza’s wealthiest businessmen?
How extensive are your real-estate holdings in Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa and Homa Bay?
What is your vision for Rusinga Island Lodge, and what investment plans do you have for the property?
How many vessels does Mbita Ferry Limited currently operate on the Mbita–Luanda Kotieno route?
What challenges have you faced operating ferry services on Lake Victoria?
What is your response to the August 2026 court ruling ordering your company to pay Stephen France KSh2,046,565.57 plus interest?
Why did the company initially dispute France’s employment despite the court finding in his favour?
Was the Deed of Settlement signed by the company, and why were the agreed instalments allegedly not fully honoured?
Are there any other outstanding employment disputes involving your companies?
How did your experience in public service influence your approach to business and investment?
What role did your diplomatic posting in Geneva play in your business and professional life?
What sectors is Cronicle Group planning to expand into over the next five years?
How much of your investment portfolio is dedicated to Homa Bay and the wider Nyanza region?
Do you have plans to create more jobs and major investments for young people in the region?
Why have you maintained such a low public profile despite your extensive business interests?
What would you want the public to understand about Sammy Wakiaga that they currently do not know?
Do you have political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections?
What is the biggest misconception about your wealth, businesses and public-service career?
