Pwani Oil Group mourns passing of visionary founder Naresh Malde
His commitment went beyond business, as he was known for quietly supporting educational, healthcare, and community initiatives along Kenya’s Coast.
KENYA – The Pwani Oil Group is mourning the loss of its founder, Naresh Malde, who passed away in Mombasa on October 25, 2025, at the age of 74.
Malde, affectionately known within the company as “Mr. Naresh,” was a quietly principled leader whose guidance and foresight helped mold Pwani Oil into one of East Africa’s most respected and enduring homegrown brands.
The company confirmed his passing with deep sorrow, highlighting his instrumental role in establishing and nurturing the business, and assured that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1981 by Naresh Malde alongside his brothers Ramesh Kanji Malde and the late Anil Hansha, Pwani Oil began as a small coconut oil mill on the Kenyan coast.
Over the decades, the company transitioned into a fully integrated manufacturer producing corn, sunflower, and primarily palm oil, diversifying further into personal care and hygiene products.
Malde’s leadership was defined by a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices, including the adoption of renewable energy solutions and the modernization of refineries.
Pwani Oil’s signature brands: Fresh Fri, Mpishi Poa, Salit, Fry Mate, Detrex, Diva, and Sawa, became household names across Kenya and East Africa, symbolizing trusted local enterprise and community empowerment.
Malde was not only a titan in business but also a dedicated philanthropist who supported education, healthcare, and social initiatives in Kenya’s coastal region, quietly enriching lives beyond the factory gates.
His principled leadership style, marked by fairness, respect, and humility, earned admiration from peers and leaders like former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, who described him as a visionary entrepreneur whose integrity and hard work created a source of regional pride.
Over more than four decades, Malde steered Pwani Oil through market challenges, regulatory shifts, and intense competition, always holding fast to values of resilience and prudence.
His steadfast commitment ensured the company thrived, providing employment, boosting local industry, and inspiring sustainable business practices in East Africa.
Today, Pwani Oil remains a company that feeds, employs, and inspires thousands, a fitting legacy for its founder, who started small but dreamed big.
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