Khalif Kairo, real name Joseph Kairo Wambui, is a Kenyan entrepreneur, car enthusiast, businessman, pilot, and the CEO and founder of Kai & Karo Motors, Jetman Global (an aircraft brokerage company). Kairo rose to fame on X after establishing his first company, Imports by Kairo.
Kairo was born in November 1996 in a very humble background. He spent his early years in Amboseli (Kawangware), Nairobi. Kairo recounts that his mother owned an essential goods kiosk within their neighborhood.
Early Life and Education
Between 2011 and 2012, he attended Dagoretti High School. In 2012, Kairo’s educational journey changed direction as he joined Kahuho Uhuru High School, which was pivotal in shaping his academic and personal growth.
Career and Business
Kairo’s passion for cars became a driving force behind his aspirations, and immediately after school, he decided to turn his love for automobiles into a profitable venture.
To begin his journey in the automotive industry, Kairo first took the initiative to enroll in driving classes. His passion for automobiles goes beyond the ordinary; he is a genuine car enthusiast.
He channeled this passion into his interests and made it the cornerstone of his business ventures. Kairo started a car dealership, Kai & Karo Motors, and currently leads as the CEO. They import new and used vehicles, spare parts, industrial equipment, and electronics worldwide.
Khalif made a name for himself in the automotive industry by being the best salesman. In the podcast The Failure Effect by Wayua Muli, Khalif Kairo shares his story and how he bounced back after losing his business to partners.
Family and Personal Life
He is currently not single but not married either. He is dating and does not have a child with his partner yet.
In a candid interview with Lynn Ngugi, he revealed that he welcomed a son when he was 21 years of age and that changed his perspective in life. Though he never settled with her, he stepped up and navigated the responsibilities of providing for his son and supporting his baby mama.
Her mother was shocked but she helped her mature and face the situation until he became mentally and financially stable. He admitted to being wayward during his early years, a price he paid for dearly but he made peace with his past. The student-pilot philosophy is that making mistakes is a natural part of life’s journey and he’s proud to have turned over a new leaf.
Investigations by KRA
He is now trending after KRA flagged him. They are seeking records of his companies with a full tax report. Khalif feels like his former partners are playing a witch-hunt with him.
Kairo has maintained his innocence and commitment to tax compliance, but he remains adamant that the recent developments are fueled by personal vendettas rather than legitimate tax concerns.
Meanwhile, KRA has not responded to the allegations of bribery and manipulation.
The taxman’s notice explicitly states that Kai & Karo must produce financial records within seven days and attend a meeting with KRA officials to address the tax investigation.
