Khalif Kairo shows off his 400K watch

Kenyan businessman and pilot Khalif Kairo has offered a rare insight into his personal life, speaking candidly about luxury, grief, self-reliance and his evolving outlook on life.

Speaking during an interview on the Over 1M Podcast hosted by Tony Mwirigi, Kairo reflected on his lifestyle choices and the emotional impact of losing his mother earlier this year.

The KSh400,000 watch

Part of the discussion centred around Kairo’s taste for luxury after he revealed he was wearing a Garmin watch worth approximately KSh400,000.

While acknowledging the hefty price tag, the businessman explained that the purchase was tied to image and perception within his line of work.

“This is a Garmin watch, it costs around KSh400,000,” he told the surprised host.

According to Kairo, presentation matters in business, and he views such accessories as tools that help create a lasting impression rather than simple displays of wealth.

“Something in me snapped”

The conversation later shifted to a more emotional tone as Kairo opened up about the death of his mother two months before the interview.

He admitted the loss profoundly changed his perspective on life and forced him to reflect more deeply on authenticity and purpose.

“Something in me snapped,” he said, describing how the experience reminded him of how fragile life can be.

Kairo also spoke warmly about his mother, describing her as a prayerful woman who remained supportive of him even during periods of public scrutiny and business challenges.

Why he rejected public fundraising

The businessman also revisited his decision to decline public contributions following his mother’s death, despite online fundraising efforts organised by supporters.

Kairo explained that he prefers handling personal struggles privately and is cautious about the intentions behind some forms of public support.

He pointed to instances where individuals who received online assistance were later criticised or mocked by the same contributors.

By paying for everything himself, he said he ensured nobody could later claim credit for his resilience or recovery.

“The only person who can take credit for my success is God. And if I fail, I’ve failed because of my own mistakes,” he stated.

Business and aviation ambitions

Despite describing the past two years as a difficult season marked by legal issues and public relations challenges, Kairo maintained that his businesses remain active.

Beyond the automotive industry, he revealed that he is heavily invested in aviation. Already a licensed private pilot, he recently completed his commercial pilot examinations.

He described the exams as extremely demanding, particularly the navigation component, which required “dead reckoning” techniques without relying on GPS systems.

Looking ahead

Kairo concluded the interview by saying he currently feels more focused and grounded than ever before. Rather than dwelling on criticism or public perception, he said he is concentrating on his work, personal growth and faith.

According to him, despite recent hardships, he believes he is in the “best position” of his life.