Laxmanbhai Bhimji, Kenyan Builder Extraordinaire, Dies

By any standard, legendary Kenyan builder Laxmanbhai Bhimji Raghwani, who died on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in India, was a talented achiever.  

In his 94-year lifetime, Mr. Laxmanbhai built some of the most iconic buildings in the country and earned himself a reputation for high-quality workmanship.

In 1953, Laxmanbhai, then 24 years old, established Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd., which later became Laxcon Group of Companies, which quickly became known for its can-do attitude, customer satisfaction, and ability to meet schedules.

“By 1972, Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd. was expanding very rapidly in India, the UK, Seychelles and Mauritius, as well as gaining well-earned recognition in the construction industry as a builder with punctuality, a collaborative approach and high-quality standards,” Dhanji Raghwani, the company’s managing director, said in a past interview with the Africa Outlook Magazine.

Today, the firm has more than 13 shareholders and is one of the top construction companies in Kenya, “setting the standard of quality over three generations with the aim to continue building clients’ visions by delivering excellence.”

Over the years, Laxmanbhai Construction has completed an array of iconic buildings, including the UN complex in Gigiri, Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Westlands, Hemingways Hotel in Karen, and English Point Marina in Mombasa.

The company was also involved in the renovation of the Sarova Stanley Hotel and the construction of Lonrho House and Telposta Towers in the Nairobi city centre.

It is also the company behind Kihingo Village in Kitisuru, a 43-acre gated community in Kitisuru comprising 55 luxury homes, and two modern academic institutions in Nairobi and Mombasa.

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Thanks to his passion for building, Mr. Laxmanbhai worked his way toward growing and expanding his company’s reach and capabilities.

The company now caters not just to construction but also across contracting, sales, machinery maintenance and property development, based on four guiding principles: care, entrepreneurship, collaboration and integrity.

On Thursday night, Laxcon Group announced the passing of Mr. Laxmanbhai saying his departure had left a void in the company and the industry as a whole.

“It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder and visionary leader, Mr. Laxmanbhai Bhimji Raghwani. His departure has left a void in our hearts, our organisation, and the industry as a whole,” the company said.

“We are committed to honoring his memory by continuing to provide the exceptional service and quality that you have come to expect from the Laxcon Group of Companies.”

May his soul rest in peace.

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