Narendra Raval’s journey from a modest start to building Kenya’s economic backbone through steel and faith
By: Midmark Onsongo
Worth Noting:
- Narendra Raval’s journey wasn’t just a solo endeavor. His wife, Neeta, whom he married at the young age of 22, has been a cornerstone of his success. Building an empire is no small feat, and doing so while nurturing a young marriage requires a delicate balance.
- In one of his interviews, he spoke about how their partnership has been key to the growth of Devki Group, both in personal and professional realms. Together, they have built not just a family but a legacy that continues to inspire many.
- Working with a spouse in business can be challenging, but for Guru and Neeta, it seems to have been a harmonious blend of ambition and love.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to rise from humble beginnings and build an empire that not only sustains a country’s economy but also inspires millions across the globe? As a young socio-geographic scholar and sustainable development activist with deep admiration for Mr. Narendra Raval Guru, I find his journey remarkable, a blueprint for the entrepreneurial spirit that Kenya so desperately needs. Narendra Raval, fondly known as Guru, has a vision for this nation, one that transcends the immediate and delves into sustainable economic growth. He’s not just a businessman; he’s an institution, a man who has built his reputation from the ground up, quite literally, with the grit and tenacity that only a true visionary can muster. His companies, including Devki Group, are the backbone of Kenya’s industrial landscape, providing steel, cement, and infrastructure that powers the nation’s development. It is his ability to connect these successes to the broader Kenyan economy that makes him a figure worth lauding.
Guru’s rise from a modest hardware store to owning Devki Group, which is responsible for some of the largest cement and steel production in Kenya, shows a man deeply committed to the betterment of the nation. His business empire spans several industries—steel, cement, roofing materials, and more—all critical sectors that support Kenya’s infrastructure. These industries create employment, foster economic independence, and boost local production. Guru once mentioned in an interview with Jeff Koinange that Kenya can be self-reliant if it reduces imports and focuses on local production of steel. This is no mere corporate bravado but a carefully calculated vision that, if realized, could reduce Kenya’s dependency on foreign markets and enhance its economic sovereignty.
What makes Narendra Raval stand out is not just his business acumen but his philosophy, one rooted in humility and spiritual devotion. He often speaks about his strong connection with God, stating that he used to talk to God in his own language, and in return, God answered. This unwavering faith, he claims, has guided him through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. In today’s impatient generation, where everyone seeks instant gratification, Guru offers a refreshing perspective: patience, hard work, and a deep spiritual connection can yield unimaginable success. His advice to the youth is simple yet profound—trust the process, put in the work, and never waver in your faith. This is a message that transcends business; it speaks to life itself.
Narendra Raval’s journey wasn’t just a solo endeavor. His wife, Neeta, whom he married at the young age of 22, has been a cornerstone of his success. Building an empire is no small feat, and doing so while nurturing a young marriage requires a delicate balance. In one of his interviews, he spoke about how their partnership has been key to the growth of Devki Group, both in personal and professional realms. Together, they have built not just a family but a legacy that continues to inspire many. Working with a spouse in business can be challenging, but for Guru and Neeta, it seems to have been a harmonious blend of ambition and love. When I think of asking Mr. Raval a question, this is what comes to mind: “You married at the age of 22 and began this journey with Neeta. What was the experience like, building both a family and a business empire together? How did you manage the inevitable challenges of both realms, and what advice would you give to young couples who aspire to do the same?”
In his interview with Citizen TV, Guru also touched on the importance of giving back to society, stating that his success is not his alone but a blessing that he shares with others. His philanthropy, particularly in education and healthcare, underscores his belief that success should be shared. He has set up hospitals, funded schools, and provided scholarships to countless students. This, to me, is the mark of a great man—not just one who builds, but one who ensures that others are elevated in the process. The Devki Group is more than just a company; it is a symbol of hope for many, a reminder that one can rise from humble beginnings and still have the grace to lift others along the way.
If I were to meet Mr. Narendra Raval, these are some of the questions I would ask him. In one of your interviews with Jeff Koinange, you said that Kenya can become self-sufficient if we focus on local production and reduce our dependence on imported steel products. Could you elaborate on how you envision this shift taking place, and what role Devki Group would play in making Kenya a self-reliant economy? Given the challenges of globalization and competition, what are the practical steps that the government and private sector should take to ensure that local industries thrive in the face of foreign competition? These are critical questions because they touch on the heart of Kenya’s economic future, and Guru, with his deep understanding of the industrial landscape, is uniquely positioned to provide answers.
Another question that fascinates me is about his personal life. Guru once mentioned that he got married at the age of 22, a time when most people are still figuring out their paths in life. I would love to ask him, “You mentioned that you married young, at the age of 22. What was it like working closely with your wife, Neeta, in building your empire? How did you navigate the challenges that come with balancing a growing business and a young family? What can young entrepreneurs learn from your experience in blending business with personal life?”
Lastly, Guru’s connection to spirituality is another intriguing aspect of his life. In a world where material success is often divorced from spiritual fulfillment, Guru stands as a paradox, a man deeply rooted in both worlds. I would ask him, “You once mentioned that you used to talk to God in your own language and that He answered you. In today’s fast-paced world, where patience is scarce and success is often measured by quick wins, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs about the importance of faith and spirituality in business? How can one maintain a spiritual connection while navigating the often ruthless world of business?”
In many ways, Narendra Raval embodies the dualities that make life both challenging and rewarding—he is at once a hard-nosed businessman and a deeply spiritual man, a husband and a philanthropist, a Kenyan and a global figure. His life is a testament to what can be achieved with perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision. Kenya is fortunate to have a man like Guru steering its industrial future, and we can only hope that more will follow in his footsteps. Mr. Raval’s story is one of triumph over adversity, of faith guiding ambition, and of love supporting success. As I reflect on his journey, I am reminded of the proverb, “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” This is Narendra Raval in a nutshell—a man who has persistently carved a path through the rock of adversity to build a future not just for himself, but for an entire nation. And if Kenya is to realize its full potential, it will need more leaders like him, men and women who understand that true success is not measured by what you take, but by what you give back.
This article was scripted by;
MIDMARK ONSONGO, SGS
(Socio-Geographic Scholar)
Elizabeth Angira 
Simiyu S. Stanford