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Dr Bimal Rajnikant Kantaria, OGW
BOARD CHAIR – ASNET
A zeal for social good, an empathetic personality, a go-getter not afraid to get their hands dirty, and an authentic passion for farming. These traits perfectly summarise Dr Bimal Rajnikant Kantaria, Founder Chair of the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) Board, the umbrella organisation of agribusiness bodies and stakeholders with the mandate of steering the industry towards the needed transformation of becoming the key driver of Kenya’s economic development.
Dr Bimal’s excellent leadership qualities and interest in the agribusiness space did not spring out of nowhere. He serves as Managing Director (MD) of Elgon Kenya, one of the leading agri-input suppliers within the East African Community (EAC), distributing a range of technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable products. The company is a family-owned business, established in 1898, making Dr Kantaria a fourth generation director.
Given his involvement in agricultural sector initiatives, development and support, Dr Bimal was naturally picked by his peers to steer the structural formation of ASNET when the network was established in 2020, through a partnership of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), among other stakeholders.
ASNET’s key role is to coordinate agricultural sector actors in Kenya through various mechanisms to engage in policy advocacy and value chain development that promote increased productivity, competitiveness and attract investments into the agricultural sector. The network has since gone regional, following the establishment of the Agriculture Confederation of East Africa, (ACEA) which seeks to negotiate with governments and businesses in the EAC to formulate policies that support a seamless movement of goods across borders, and spur agriculture development within the EAC. Dr Kantaria concurrently serves as Chair of ACEA.
Among ASNET’s most notable achievements was organising a partnership between Kenya Airways (KQ) and the Kenya Flower Council, resulting in KQ keeping afloat as it converted its passenger flights to cargo, increasing its revenue and keeping thousands of Kenyan jobs going during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Dr Bimal’s efforts, HE President Uhuru Kenyatta decorated him with the Uzalendo Award.
Dr Kantaria has received numerous recognitions for his thought leadership, both at an individual level and through the organisations he leads. For instance, in 2014 and again in 2018, Elgon Kenya was honoured with special awards from HE President Uhuru Kenyatta, for partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture in creating a National Farmers Award Scheme. Having successfully run for eight years, the annual awards programme recognises nine categories in agriculture.
In 2021, Dr Bimal was awarded the Productive Business Civility Award by United States-based iChange Nations Organization, in recognition of his role, investment, and impact in agriculture, education, health, and social services. The award is set aside for the Top World Civility Leaders who are making a global impact with their businesses, innovations, and initiatives.
In the 2022 Agriculture 100 Awards Ceremony, Elgon Kenya was awarded the Best Agri-inputs supplier, while ASNET was recognised for its services to the agriculture sector in 2022.
Furthermore, on Jamhuri Day 2022, Dr Bimal was honoured with the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) award by HE President William Ruto, for his efforts in the agriculture sector in Kenya.
The latest feather on Dr Bimal’s cap is his appointment to the Global Advisory Council of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CEIC) through a strategic partnership between Elgon Kenya and CEIC.
Due to his love for doing good, Dr Bimal is affiliated with a number of social organisations. For instance, he has been a Board member of the Lohana Mahajan Community since 2016, and in 2021, he was appointed Chairman.
Moreover, he is the National Vice Chairman of the Hindu Council of Kenya and the Chairman of Jalaram Temple School project.
His previous social obligations include: Honourable Secretary of the Asian Foundation (2002-2003), Board Director at Desai Memorial Foundation (2007-2009), Board Member of Cura Rotary Children’s Home (2012-2014) and Trustee of The Don Bosco Savio Centre Trust (1995-2008).
Dr Kantaria has also been heavily involved with Rotary International. Between 2014 and 2015, he was elected the District Governor (DG) for Rotary District 9212, comprising Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan. As DG, he achieved the highest growth of membership in the history of Rotary District 9212, as well as chartered the highest number of new Rotary clubs in the history of the District. He was the youngest ever DG at 44 years, raising a whopping USD 1.2 million for the Rotary Foundation Trust, which has been the highest per capita raising in Africa.
After completing his primary education at St Mary’s School in Nairobi, Dr Kantaria attended Rugby School in Warwickshire, England. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc) degree in Economics from the University of Birmingham, and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Packaging Technology from Loughborough University, both in the UK. In 2020, Dr Kantaria received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (Hon PhD) in Humanities from United Graduate College and Seminary International (UGCSI).
Famous anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This is precisely what Dr Kantaria and his dedicated team at ASNET are doing, and with him steering the board, there is no doubt that ASNET will achieve its vision of being the most influential agriculture private sector actors’ umbrella body, voice and champion for transformation. Dr Bimal is married and blessed with three children.
