Born in 1967 to Dhanbai and Kanjibhai Patel, Hasmukh Patel was the youngest among four siblings. He attended Aga Khan Secondary School before studying in the UK, where he graduated and then returned to join his family’s business.
Together with his brother Arvind the two Patels took the family business to newer heights, expanding and in 1995, venturing into Uganda, investing in Tororo cement factory.
Their success in Uganda encouraged them to invest in another plant and they moved to establish Mombasa Cement at the Coast region of Kenya where the enterprise was birthed.
The established of Mombasa Cement in 2007 was a significant success and by 2018, it had captured 15.2% of the cement market with its Nyumba brand, making it the second-largest player after Lafarge Holding’s Bamburi Cement.
Through his success, Hasmukh who was popularly known as Hasu, decided to venture into charity programs that would later be beneficial to those in need at the coast region.
Hasu started Hasmukh Patel Foundation, which provided scholarships to needy students across the country and has sponsored various charitable causes across multiple industries.
Aside from being a dedicated philanthropist, Patel was also a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation. He played a significant role in transforming the Kibarani Dumpsite in Mombasa into a park by contributing Ksh700 million towards the conversion.
He expanded his generosity by establishing Sahajanand Feeding Centre in 2008 to provide meals for thousands of individuals who were in need, not forgetting laying down the bricks of foundation of Sahajanand Special School, which offers basic needs and education to over 5,000 pupils.
His philanthropic activities never ceased as he was focussed on impacting the community in a positive way. He donated over 50 lorries for garbage collection, provided clean water in various access point in Mombasa using trucks, and constructed shelters.
Patel also built concrete fences around schools and police stations, demonstrating his commitment to improving community welfare and infrastructure. His efforts never went in vain, and he was recognised receiving the Order of the Burning Spear in 2021 and was appointed as a Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Director.
The news of his passing has left many heartbroken as he was a beacon of hope to society, an inspiration to those who looked up to him and his show of good will, magnified in the happy faces of those who benefitted from his initiatives.
Mr. Patel will be forever remembered for his generosity and philanthropic initiatives not forgetting his role well played in the business community. May his soul rest in eternal peace.