Vishal Shah
Director and Partner
Siana Developers Group | Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya
Janam Bhumi:
Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
Karma Bhumi:
Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya
Built on Roots, Family, & Vision
The ‘Vishal’ Factor: “Successful are those whose roots are buried deep.”
THE MAN
A coincidence, sheer luck, or fate? Call it what you must! Vishal Shah’s life took an unforeseen turn, a metaphorical flap of a butterfly’s wing, which led him on a new, unknown, but fulfilling path all the way to Africa.
Shah began his journey in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as the youngest of five siblings, with four sisters and two stepbrothers. Born on 26th September 1984. He was raised in a middle-class family, watching his father, who ran a ration shop and mother who sold milk, work hard, with honesty and dedication. He credits his mother, especially, for the direction his life has taken, and he lives by her principle that one must never forget one’s roots, no matter how successful they become. The middle-class upbringing is both his foundational belief in the power of ambition and the importance of humility.
Studying in a Gujarati-medium school and college, Shah had limited proficiency in English when he first travelled to Kenya. But what he lacked in language, Shah made up for in grit and determination. From a modest worker in a hardware store to a renowned real estate developer and founder of Siana Developers Group, Shah has become a permanent and prominent fixture in Kenya’s economic and social fibre.
THE JOURNEY
A 21-year-old graduate from Jamnagar’s BN Mehta College, Shah travelled to Mombasa, Kenya, with mere US$100 in his pocket. A simple trip ignited the embers of Gujarati entrepreneurial spirit in him. “As Gujaratis, we are always on the lookout for business opportunities abroad — especially those of us from middle-class backgrounds,” Shah says.
He landed a small job of KES 15,000 a month at a hardware store in Thika, Kiambu County, with the help of his relatives. Though he couldn’t converse fluently in English, his exceptional negotiation skills were undeniable, earning him a partnership within six months. This early triumph established the foundation for his future endeavours.
After a temporary setback in 2009, Shah’s ‘real journey’ in the property business began. In 2010, he launched his own independent property business of buying and selling real estate. His grit and unbridled thirst for success enabled him to steadily grow his business, gain experience and credibility. He transitioned into construction, starting with small-scale projects.
Shah’s journey continued to gain momentum, ultimately culminating in the founding of Siana Developers Group in 2017, along with his two partners, Neeraj Shah (Director of wheat and bread manufacturing industry, Kenblest Group) and Jimmy Shah (Director of Delta Properties and originally partnered with Delta Corp and Reliance Industries India) in Kenya. Shah works with more than 30 partners across a diverse portfolio of ventures. Since the company’s inception, Shah and Siana Group have built over 2.5 million sq ft of residential and commercial property. They have successfully delivered over 400 units across commercial buildings, warehouses, and residential complexes. The group has also made a significant mark in the holiday rentals and holiday homes sector, establishing a strong reputation for quality and reliability. He playfully remarks, “I can express myself articulately in the language,” along with other successes.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Shah’s moral core is driven by a deep sense of family and community. He has never allowed himself to forget his middle-class values and his mother’s lessons. Shah’ strength comes from his sisters—Alpa, Manisha, and Champa—who are settled in London, and Seema, who resides in Uganda. “They are strong, resilient women who have been my role models and pillars of strength. I have learned a great deal from each of them.” He also acknowledges his stepbrothers, Chuni and Girish, highlighting the close-knit bond shared among all his siblings: “Each of them brings unique strengths and perspectives to our family. We support one another and celebrate each other’s milestones.”
His love for community reflects in the way he and his family have adopted Kenya as their home away from home. He says, “Kenya is a beautiful, green country where every Indian is treated with dignity and respect.”
Shah’s love for his roots remains even stronger. In 2005, he joined the Jain Youth League. Residing in Thika, he began working with the organisation, helping them organise eye and ENT camps for people. While the League has been providing services to people for more than 45 years, Shah has been a part of it for nearly 18 years. “I have evolved over the time I have spent with the League. I now recognise the importance of doing things for people and the community. It’s not only about money but also about time. So, during these eye camps, I dedicate myself completely to the initiative. Kenyan rural areas severely lack medical facilities and keeping that in mind, Shah Eye Camp reaches out to the most rural areas and performs more than 1,000 surgeries every year and provides treatment to people locally. He was elected as the Vice Chairman of the League and remains an active committee member.
Shah believes in giving with a full heart. His philanthropy is guided by principles of respect, honesty, and selfless service. He regards giving time and effort as equally important as money and in every sense, he is a true builder of communities.
THE LEGACY
Shah’s success does not interfere with his leading a simple and grounded existence centred around his wife and children. Shah’s wife, Purvi, is ‘grace under fire’, balancing the household, children, and his needs with firm resilience.
Their two children – daughter, Yaavi, born in 2014, and son, Kheane, born in 2016 – are being brought up with the same values as their parents. He remarks, “Watching them grow has been a transformative experience for both Purvi and me. It continues to shape us into more mindful parents and individuals.”
A man who balances his love for his family, his motherland, and his adopted homeland, Shah’s legacy is a life well-lived, though he still has much more to accomplish. Beyond his family and business, Shah wants to leave his imprint on the next generation by mentoring every young person he can. He wants them to have the guidance and opportunities that he once sought. It is a mission larger than life, but Vishal Shah’s resolute determination is enough to achieve it.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“My city was very traditional and rooted in simplicity. Though it is where one of the biggest Indian conglomerates, Reliance Group, has its base, the place was very traditional. Today, the progress in infrastructure and urbanisation is remarkable in India, a development I credit to the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“The values of my upbringing have profoundly shaped my life here in Kenya. I live here with my parents, my wife, Purvi, and our children. My family and siblings are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters, no matter where they live. I am who I am today, and I have achieved what I have, only because of my family’s strength and blessings, and I wish to instill all of this in my children as well.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“India is my foundation. And Kenya has taught me the art of commerce and given me the business on which my entire life is now based. Kenya never forced me to change, and my family and I continue to live simple lives, adhering to our Indian values and culture.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
For me, it was a moment of immense pride when I was accorded the privilege of meeting and interacting with PM Modi in our native Kathiyawadi language. It reaffirmed my connection to my homeland. I remember he asked me, ‘Kai baju no?’, which translates to ‘where are you from?’ I believe the future looks even brighter under the current leadership of both nations – India and Kenya.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“My dream is a prosperous and urbanised India, with its youth poised to take advantage of its growing economy. I also now understand the importance of guiding young people. I would advise them to keep learning and never give up. Furthermore, I would also remind them to be true to their values and roots. They will keep you grounded.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
Oh, without a doubt, ‘Gathia’ and Jamnagar ‘Ghughra’.
NOW
Gujarati food remains my favourite but my tastes buds have expanded to include Italian and Pan-Asian cuisine.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I was the king of kite flying! And, I played cricket as well.
NOW
I rule the bowling alleys and card tables.
Music Tastes
THEN
As an aspiring singer, I listened to a variety of Bollywood music.
NOW
I still find joy in listening to and singing everything from ‘bhajans’ and 90s Bollywood to techno beats.
Holiday Life
THEN
I remember going to stay at our Masi’s (aunt) and Mama’s (uncle) place.
NOW
We have travelled across the world, and we enjoy our Mumbai and Jamnagar getaways.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Singing was my favourite escape.
NOW
I love spending time at our holiday home in Nanyuki, Mount Kenya. Singing remains my happy place, and I keep my passion alive through karaoke sessions with friends.
AKA
Director at Sato Properties Ltd. and Salama Bonds LLP | Head of Sales at Ideal Ceramics Limited | Partner at Yo Brands Store | Managing Director at Vending Services (Coast) Ltd.
