Chivayo’s Sudden Death Leaves KSh26 Billion Kenya Plan and Major Deal Facing New Questions

The death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has cast uncertainty over several major business ventures associated with him, including a proposed KSh26 billion investment in Kenya.

Chivayo, 43, and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe on September 30, 2026. His death occurred at a significant point for his business interests, particularly as several projects linked to his companies were entering important stages.

One of the most prominent ventures is the Gwanda Solar Project in Zimbabwe. Chivayo’s company, Intratrek, was awarded the 100-megawatt project in 2014. Initially valued at approximately US$172 million, the contract was later revised to about US$132 million, equivalent to roughly KSh17 billion, following years of delays and legal disputes.

On September 10, Zimbabwe Power Company directed Intratrek to resume work at the project site. The company was expected to mobilise and complete construction within 24 months. Chivayo’s death has consequently raised questions about the company’s ownership, management structure and ability to meet its contractual commitments.

Key issues now include who has authority to make decisions on behalf of Intratrek, who controls its shares and how its existing agreements will be handled.

Chivayo had also been pursuing business opportunities in Kenya. Following a meeting with President William Ruto at State House on September 9, he said his plans to invest US$200 million, approximately KSh26 billion, in Kenyan infrastructure projects were progressing.

However, details about the proposed projects and any formal agreements were not publicly disclosed. As a result, the KSh26 billion should not necessarily be interpreted as funds that had already been formally committed to Kenyan government projects.

The status of those discussions will likely depend on whether binding agreements had been completed before Chivayo’s death.

Going forward, corporate records, shareholder agreements, financing arrangements and estate proceedings are expected to provide greater clarity on who can legally continue projects associated with the businessman.

While Chivayo’s death does not automatically terminate his companies’ obligations or proposed investments, it introduces8 an important question for governments, businesses and investors: who now has the authority, ownership and financial capacity to take those ventures forward?

https://peopledaily.digital/business/chivayos-death-puts-billions-in-proposed-investments-and-contracts-under-fresh-scrutiny?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR7

Sulugambari [email protected]