Eric Kinoti is a notable Kenyan entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business leader regarded as one of Africa’s most influential young figures in business. Born on March 8, 1984, in Mombasa, Kenya, he is the founder and CEO of Shade Systems EA Ltd, a million-dollar company operating in six African countries. Kinoti’s journey is a testament to the power of African youth to drive economic transformation through innovation, determination, and strategic planning.
Profile Summary
Full Name | Eric Kinoti |
Date of Birth | March 8, 1984 |
Place of Birth | Mombasa, Kenya |
Nationality | Kenyan |
Partner | Married |
Children | 1 |
Occupations | Entrepreneur, Business Executive, Philanthropist |
Net Worth | Company generates about $1 million annually |

Early Life and Education
Born in Mombasa but raised in Meru, Kenya, Eric Kinoti developed an entrepreneurial spirit early on, influenced by his family’s commercial background.
By the age of 10, he was already working as a cashier in his father’s shop, gaining firsthand experience in business operations and customer service. This early involvement laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset.
During his primary and secondary school years, Kinoti engaged in small ventures like selling sweets and snacks to classmates, which helped him grasp basic business principles and the importance of market opportunities.
He attended St. Martins Boarding Primary School, Abothogochi Academy, and Nkubu High School, before earning a Diploma in Business Management from Tsavo Park Institute in 2004, equipping him with both practical and theoretical business knowledge.
Career
Eric Kinoti’s career began in 2004 when he worked as a night cashier at a hotel in Malindi, Kenya. During the day, he used his free time to buy and distribute eggs to local hotels, building up initial capital. By 2007, he moved to Nairobi and shifted to milk distribution for city hotels.
His breakthrough came when a client requested a tent for an outdoor function, which inspired Kinoti to enter the tent manufacturing business.

Using his savings of around Sh57,000, he founded Shade Systems EA Ltd in 2009 at age 24, starting with just five employees. Despite limited capital and having to borrow Sh2 million at high interest, Kinoti grew the business from this small start.
Shade Systems manufactures a wide range of products including military and relief tents, branded gazebos, restaurant canopies, car park shades, marquees, luxury tents, wedding party tents, canvas seats, and bouncing castles. The company’s breakthrough was securing a Sh15 million military tender, which fueled its expansion.
Today, Shade Systems operates in multiple countries including Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Congo, serving clients such as USAID, Toyota Kenya, Bata, East African Breweries, and Kenya’s Department of Defense.
Beyond Shade Systems, Kinoti owns other businesses including Alma Tents Ltd (tent rentals), Bag Base Kenya Ltd (manufactures bags from canvas remnants), and Safi Sana Home Services (professional cleaning).
His entrepreneurial ventures employ over 50 permanent staff and continue expanding across East and Central Africa.
Throughout his career, Kinoti has emphasized the importance of perseverance, learning from mistakes (such as his early high-interest loan), and reinvesting profits into growing his business empire.
He has also become a well-known mentor and youth patron, contributing to entrepreneurship development in Kenya.
Philanthropy
Known as a “Knowledge Philanthropist,” Kinoti is deeply invested in mentoring young entrepreneurs across Africa. His initiatives aim to nurture future business leaders through guidance and support.
In 2014, he founded the Entrepreneurs Boot Camp held annually at Masai Mara. The event offers seminars, masterclasses, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, investor meetings, and team-building exercises. It attracts participants from all over Africa.
Kinoti also serves as Youth Patron for the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and mentors at Safaricom’s BLAZE BYOB program. Frequently invited to speak at forums and media outlets, he inspires innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Through social media, he continuously shares advice and encouragement for young Africans.
Personal Life

Eric Kinoti is married and has a child with his wife.
His personal philosophy emphasizes the power of ideas as one’s greatest capital and advocates starting businesses even with limited initial funds.
Eric Kinoti Net Worth
Eric Kinoti has not publicly disclosed his net worth. Shade Systems EA Ltd alone records about $1 million in annual revenue.
Industry estimates suggest his diversified ventures across manufacturing, services, and rentals in multiple African countries have positioned him as a multi-millionaire. The company was valued at around Sh150 million in 2016.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Kinoti has earned several prestigious accolades:
International Honors:
- Forbes Africa’s “30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa” (2014, 2015)
- Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Kenyan entrepreneurs (twice)
National Awards:
- SOMA Awards 2014 – Most Influential SME Personality in Kenya
- Presidential recognition from President Uhuru Kenyatta for youth entrepreneurship
- KPMG Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies 2014 – Second runners-up and Industry Leader in Manufacturing
Leadership and Influence:
- Finalist for Young Business Leader of the Year East Africa at All Africa Business Leaders Awards
- Youth Patron for the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce
- Board member of several major East African companies
These honors reflect both his commercial success and dedication to fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship in Africa.