When Brian Mwau made KSh 20 million while still on campus, he did not know he would go broke in nine months.
His rise to millionaire status began during his time at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where he ventured into university politics and became the students’ Information Technology (IT) representative.
It was during his time at JKUAT that Mwau’s involvement in student leadership, helped him gain access to influential circles, including the parents of fellow students.
In his second year of study, Mwau found himself in the role of JKUAT’s academic secretary.
It was during this time that he capitalized on a lucrative land deal presented to him by a parent of a student.
“One day, fortunately, a parent of one of the students was selling land. They approached us because we were student leaders and the perception that we knew many people.
It was a hard task because the land was going for KSh 100 million in 2016. We got an interested buyer at KSh 80 million; that is how I made KSh 20 million at 19 years,” he told KTN News.
Flush with newfound wealth, Mwau embarked on a lifestyle of extravagance.
He Relocated from Rongai to the upscale neighborhood of Runda.
He also indulged in luxury purchases, including a Landcruiser V8, and hired drivers and bodyguards to accompany him.
He spared no expense in treating his friends to lavish nights out, living beyond his means with a sense of invincibility.
“Within less than nine months I was able to go to the extreme that you can think of,” he said.
Forced to sell off his assets, including the luxury cars Mwau was humbled by the stark reality of his circumstances.
Gone were the days of opulence and extravagance; instead, he found himself boarding a matatu to his village in Makueni, a far cry from his former life of luxury.
Amidst his struggles, Mwau sought solace in faith and spirituality.
Immersing himself in religious teachings and seeking guidance from influential figures like the late Chris Kirubi, he embarked on a journey of redemption.
Eventually, his perseverance paid off, leading him to secure a job at Centum and climb the ranks to become the business development coordinator at Two Rivers International Finance and Innovative Centre.
