By Swaleh
August 29, 2024
Hasmukh Patel, the esteemed owner of Mombasa Cement Limited, has passed away at the age of 58. Known affectionately as Hasuu, Patel died in Mombasa after a brief illness, as confirmed by family spokesman Samir Bhalo, who is also the Tudor Member of the County Assembly.
Patel had been suffering from stomach pains for the past two days and was rushed to Premier Hospital. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead upon arrival at the emergency department. He leaves behind a widow and three children. Funeral arrangements will be announced later, Bhalo stated.
Condolences from Mombasa and Kilifi Governors
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir expressed his sorrow over Patel’s passing. In his statement, Governor Nassir highlighted Patel’s significant contributions to the community and his generous support of the underprivileged.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of businessman Hasmukh ‘Hasuu’ Patel,” said Governor Nassir. “On behalf of the County Government of Mombasa, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We stand with you during this difficult time.”
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro also mourned Patel’s death, praising him as a respected and supportive community member.
“It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of my dear friend and Mombasa Cement company owner, Hasmukh Patel,” Governor Mung’aro said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and colleagues. Rest in peace, my friend.”
A Legacy of Business and Philanthropy
Hasmukh Patel founded Mombasa Cement in 2007. By 2018, the company had secured a significant share of the market with its Nyumba brand, becoming the second-largest cement producer in Kenya after Lafarge’s Bamburi Cement. Patel also served as a director for Corrugated Iron Sheets in Kenya and Tororo Cement in Uganda.
Patel was not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. His Hasmukh Patel Foundation supported numerous charitable causes, including scholarships for needy students and environmental conservation efforts. One of his most notable achievements was the transformation of the Kibarani Dumpsite into a park, a project that cost Ksh700 million and greatly improved the area’s conditions.
In addition to these efforts, Patel established the Sahajanand Feeding Centre in 2008 and the Sahajanand Special School, providing meals and education to thousands of underprivileged individuals. His philanthropy extended to donating over 50 lorries for garbage collection, supplying clean water to slums, and constructing shelters and fences for schools and police stations.
For his contributions, Patel was honored with the Order of the Burning Spear in 2021 and served as a director at the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). He held a bachelor’s degree in business and management from Kingston University in the UK.
Remembering a Remarkable Life
Hasmukh Patel’s passing is a significant loss to both the business and philanthropic communities. His legacy of generosity, dedication, and leadership will be remembered fondly by those whose lives he touched.
