Chairman · Entrepreneur · Philanthropist
Jimal Ibrahim
Building businesses that transform public transport, finance, and security across East Africa.
About
Jimal Ibrahim Hassan — popularly known as Jimal Roho Safi — is a Kenyan entrepreneur and public figure whose journey from matatu conductor to holding chairmanships across finance, security, transport, and technology has made him one of East Africa's most influential businessmen.
Beyond business, he is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and philanthropy through the Jimal Foundation.
Read full story →Ventures & Initiatives
Matatu Association of Kenya
Chairman
Kenya's largest public transport trade body, overseeing safe, reliable, and sustainable matatu operations nationwide. Over 14 years I led the BRT system initiative to decongest Nairobi, introduced contactless payments and integrated fare systems, guided SACCO Directors on strategic transformation, and was re-elected to a third term. Appointed by the President, I also serve as Vice Chair of NAMATA and as Nairobi County Transport Advisor.
Arbab Ventures
Founder & Chairman
Driving Africa's sustainable mobility revolution by replacing diesel-powered vehicles with purpose-built electric buses and matatus across Nairobi's most congested routes. The fleet includes the KL-9 Electric Bus, the MA3e Electric Matatu, and the i8 Intercity Coach — all powered by East Africa's 70%+ renewable energy grid. Arbab's Pay-As-You-Drive financing model, backed by Huduma Credit and Jamhuri Credit, eliminates prohibitive upfront costs for operators. Now operating 15+ routes across Nairobi and expanding into Rwanda.
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GardaState
Chairman
East Africa's fastest-growing integrated security group, founded in Dubai and backed by GR8 Africa. GardaState delivers end-to-end security across Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the UAE — spanning Security Advisory, Physical Security, Technology Solutions, and Crisis Management. The company employs 5,000+ licensed security professionals serving 500+ clients including governments, embassies, banks, and SACCOs. It operates the region's only NASDU (UK) certified K9 unit and a 24/7 operations centre, with annual revenue exceeding $50M USD.
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Huduma Credit
Chairman of the Board
Providing financial services to underserved public transport operators and the broader community across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. I developed the long-term strategic plan that drove growth over the past two years, set performance targets with the executive team, ensured regulatory compliance, and shaped the company's sustainability strategy — now a key industry differentiator. Services include logbook loans, asset financing, and Electric Bike Financing.
Betgr8
Chairman
Strategic leadership, governance, and risk management for one of Africa's leading online gaming platforms. I steered Betgr8 through a strategic plan that boosted revenue, implemented governance best practices, reduced risk exposure, and established a compliance framework that enhanced stakeholder trust. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, the company delivered multiple successful product launches. Betgr8 now operates in 16 African countries.
Jimal Foundation
Founder
A non-profit committed to environmental sustainability and social uplift. Key milestones include strategically placing 5,000 bins across South C, Kileleshwa, and Nairobi CBD; planting 1,000,000 trees across Kenya as part of the Go-Green movement; sponsoring the Huruma Street Football Tournament; and funding school fees for 22 children from low-income families at primary and university level.
Huduma City Pay
Founder
A licensed Payment Service Provider (PSP) authorised by the Central Bank, committed to revolutionising digital transactions and financial inclusion across the region. Our mission is to expand service offerings, enhance user experience, and build strategic partnerships — delivering secure, compliant, and innovative payment solutions.
Electric Bike Financing Initiative
Founder & Financier
An employment and clean-energy initiative that has financed over 12,000 electric bikes for Kenyan youth, making them accessible through small deposit payments. The programme has created employment for more than 400 people across Africa and continues to scale operations beyond Kenya.
Huduma Insurance
Founder
Building on a secured insurance licence, the 2026 venture into the insurance industry will diversify the Huduma portfolio with accessible, innovative insurance solutions tailored to the evolving needs of underserved communities across East Africa.
