I was born in Meru but grew up in Nairobi. My primary education was at Juja Road Primary and I joined ESS in 1963. At ESS I was a Prefect, a Scout Troop Leader, and Head Librarian and was actively involved in the President’s Award Scheme. I was a recipient of two to three prizes every year and finished my “O” levels in 1966 with the second best results in the school. We had some fantastic teachers but I will single out the late Mr Jones and Mr Briggs who left a lasting impression on my life. I did my A levels at the Upper Hill School during 1969-70.

I then pursued my passion for mountaineering and over the course of the next 15 years climbed every mountain in Kenya and some in the neighbouring countries. I went on to become an instructor at the Outward Bound Mountain School, Loitokitok. I was actively involved in the Mountain Club of Kenya and in Scouting, being the Chairman of the Aga Khan Scouts & Guides Group Council, Area Commissioner for Nairobi City, Honorary Camp Warden, Ngong Forest Scout Camp and Lead Trainer amongst other things. Before I left Kenya, I was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for outstanding services to Kenya Scouting by the then President Daniel Arap Moi at a ceremony in Parliament Buildings.

I settled in Leicester in 1983. I am married to Rashida and we have two sons, Altaz and Wasim, both in Banking and International Finance.

- As of May 2017