Patrick Njiru, also known Patrick Njiru Kiria, is a celebrated Kenyan rally driver known for his standout performances in the Kenya Safari Rally and his tenure with the Subaru World Rally Team from 1983 to 2002. Born in 1957 in Embu County, he holds the record as Kenya’s most accomplished indigenous driver, highlighted by his fourth-place finish in the 1994 Safari Rally. Today, he thrives as a businessman with a bus fleet company and participates in charity motorsport events.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Patrick Njiru Kiria |
| Date of birth | July 12, 1957 |
| Place of birth | Kevote, Manyatta, Embu County, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Place of Origin | Embu County |
| Partner | Leah Njeri Njiru (wife) |
| Children | Douglas Kuria Njiru (son), Everlyn Wangui Njiru (daughter); at least one other son deceased |
| Occupations | Rally driver (retired), entrepreneur (bus fleet owner) |
| Net worth | ~$5 million (KSh 500M+) |
Early Life and Education
Njiru was born and raised in a rural Embu village, initially drawn to priesthood inspired by the local cleric’s status. A defining moment occurred during church when a passing rally car sparked his passion for racing.
He studied at St. Paul’s Kevote Boys’ Secondary School and later earned a scholarship to Japan for three years, mastering Japanese and embracing values of honesty and discipline.
Career
Njiru entered rallying in 1983 and soon dominated the demanding 5,000 km Kenya Safari Rally. In 1987, he became the first Black African finisher since 1979, and in 1994, he claimed the Group N class victory with a fourth overall—the top result for any indigenous Kenyan in the WRC-era Safari.
He competed overseas, including in Côte d’Ivoire, secured a major BAT sponsorship in 1995, and represented Black excellence in post-apartheid South Africa campaigns. Now retired from racing, he organizes charity events like Race4Change.
Personal Life
Njiru has shared a 45-year marriage with Leah Njeri Njiru, whom he met in Mombasa; their bond thrives on mutual support. The couple has at least two children: son Douglas Kuria Njiru and daughter Everlyn Wangui Njiru, both involved in family businesses.
He follows a healthy lifestyle free of alcohol and smoking, which keeps him vibrant nearing age 69. Sadly, another son, Robin Kiambuthi Njiru, passed away in a 2019 car accident.
Net Worth
Patrick Njiru’s wealth is estimated at about $5 million (roughly KSh 650 million), stemming from rally sponsorships, ventures like Paleah Stores Limited, and the Neo Kenya Mpya bus fleet serving routes such as Thika Superhighway. Some reports peg it above KSh 500 million, underscoring his success in transport entrepreneurship.
Awards and Honours
Njiru’s key honours feature the Group N class win and fourth overall at the 1994 WRC Safari Rally, marking the finest indigenous Kenyan achievement. He pioneered as the first Kenyan National Rally Championship winner and completed the Safari Rally seven times. A landmark 1995 three-year BAT deal made him Kenya’s top-endorsed athlete, and he has inspired youth through TEDxNairobi speeches on rallying.
