Renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Hasmukh Patel, 58, has passed on. Patel is the owner of the mega Mombasa Cement industrial plant.
The Patel family spokesperson and Tudor MCA, Samir Bhalo, revealed that Mr Patel, took his last breath at 1 pm today at a Mombasa hospital. Bhalo added that he had been sick for about two days, and complained of stomach pains. He was declared dead upon arrival at Premier Hospital while being attended by the Accidents and Emergency Department.
Leaders Mourn Patel
Mombasa Governor, Abdulswamad Nassir, confirmed his death and mourned the sudden loss of his friend and entrepreneur.
“We have learned with sadness of the passing of businessman Hasmukh “Hasuu” Patel of Mombasa Cement Limited in Mombasa. Mr. Patel will be remembered for his active participation in society affairs in Mombasa as well as his generous support for the underprivileged.
“I take this opportunity on behalf of the County Government of Mombasa to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the departed. We will stand with you during this difficult time,” Governor Abdulswamad said.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro described Patel as a committed and generous family man who went over and above to support his local community.
“He was a respected family man who always supported and cared for his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, friends, and colleagues as they navigate through this difficult time,” said Mung’aro.
Patel’s Business Empire
His business interests extend beyond just cement, he also owns Corrugated Sheets Limited and Tororo Cement, Uganda.
His ventures are characterized by a commitment to environmentally friendly practices and technological advancement in production.
Philanthropy
The billionaire was known far and wide for his philanthropic activities. On many occasions, he fed at least 40,000 people daily through his Sahajanand Feeding Centre, established in 2008.
Patel employed KSh700M of his funds to transform the eyesore that wad Kibarani dumpsite, at Miritini, on the gateway to Mombasa. The area is now a recreation center for Kenyans.
He has contributed significantly to health initiatives, education in the form of bursaries and infrastructure development, and environmental projects in the coastal region. Sahajanand Special School offers education to over 5, 000 pupils who come from underprivileged backgrounds.
Patel is known to clear humongous medical bills for hundreds of patients and acquire coffins for those who couldn’t afford them. He directly funded the construction of many health facilities to improve service delivery and access to healthcare in the region.
Awards and Recognition
Because of his unwavering efforts and commitment to serve, the government awarded him the Order of Burning Spear (OBS) in 2021 and was appointed Director of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
Patel ran several charities in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties that benefitted hundreds of thousands directly. His death has sent shockwaves across the coastal province of Kenya where he was a hero among men. His body is preserved at Pandya Memorial Hospital awaiting final burial rites.
