The Nation (Nairobi)
NEWS
September 14, 2006
Posted to the web September 14, 2006
By Wahome Thuku
Nairobi
Last weekend marked the end of an era following the death of a leading industrialist in East Africa, Madatally Manji.
Manji rose from humble beginnings and became a household name in the biscuits, pasta and confectionery industry. He died on Saturday and was buried on Monday in a ceremony largely unnoticed by many Kenyans.
He was the first man to manufacture biscuits in Kenya, being the founder and chairman of House of Manji. Also, he brought into the country the popular breakfast cereals, Weetabix, built the Baring Arcade on Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, in 1968, among other buildings in the city, and set up food companies outside Kenya.
Mr Manji retired as head of his companies years ago. He died at his home in Nairobi at the age of 86 years and was interred at the Kariokor Ismaili Cemetery on Monday afternoon.
The funeral service at the Aga Khan Parklands Jamat Khanna was attended by less that 500 people, mainly family members and close friends. The commanding House of Manji in the Industrial Area, which he established in 1953, remains the epitome of a business empire that resonated with many Kenyans for decades.
So attached was Mr Manji to the biscuits business that in 1995 he wrote his own book, Memoirs of a Biscuit Baron. The book was launched on November 23, 1995, at the Inter-Continental Hotel by the then British High Commissioner, Mr Simon Hemas.
Mr Manji was a third-generation Kenyan of Asian origin. His parents migrated from Bombay in 1908. His childhood was in Nyeri, Karatina and Murang’a where his family operated a chain of shops and groceries.
His own business chain started as a small bakery and a grocery in Ngara, Nairobi – set up in 1941. Ngara Bakeries made only bread, cakes and other flour confectionery.
Shortly after setting up the business, Mr Manji landed a big-time military contract to supply macaroni and spaghetti to Italian prisoners of World War II and to prepare the same for the post-war period. Ngara Bakeries then shifted to Hasrat Road, present-day River Road and acquired a pasta plant, brought by the Kenya Army from Ethiopia.
After the war in 1945, Mr Manji went to England where he undertook studies in baking and manufacturing for seven months. On his return to Kenya, he opened Whitehouse Bakery on Haile Sellasie Avenue, opposite the current Jesus Is Alive Ministry church, in 1949.
Ismailimail 
may his soul rest in eternal peace. amen
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He built a strong brand over the years.May he rest easy since he has walked the race and fought the fight bravely.
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This is sad news. Yet inevitable. I hope his passing was peaceful.
I met Mr. Manji as a teenager in Nairobe in 1981-82 time frame. He and his family are the most down to earth and huble and real people. My condolences to Salim Manji and the rest of the family.
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Madatally Manji was a giant in the bakery field and his industries were benchmarks on the African continent. I had the rare privilege of working with him almost 30 years ago and this experience enriched me. May his soul rest in eternal peace and my condolences to Salim and family
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