The Unconventional CEO: A Glimpse into Dan Kwach’s Life

Bothered. That’s how I feel when Dan Kwach, the Managing Director of Africa Data Centres, puts his hands on the table. It’s not his hands I have a problem with, but his fingernails. They are long. Clean, yes, but long.

The Story Behind the Nails

Why would a man keep long nails? “I had no nails in primary school. I would eat them up. It just became a habit, but when I took my IT course, I kept long fingernails that have stuck over the years. No manicure though," he says. This seemingly trivial detail about his appearance offers a glimpse into his past—a past marked by childhood habits that have evolved into a defining characteristic of his adult persona.

Even without his fingernails, Kwach would have been noticeable. He is tall, and the archetypal CEO. But when you scratch through his patina of combustible self-confidence, you see a boy who was bullied throughout primary school. Now, despite his detractors, he has risen to upper management. When we meet at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club off Ngong Road, Nairobi, people queue up to say hello. Are they bothered by his long fingernails? We’ll never know.

A Family Man at Heart

“What’s it like being you?” I ask, intrigued by the man behind the title.

“It is exciting,” he replies. As a family man with two girls and a son, he emphasizes the importance of spending quality moments with them. “I am the eldest son with an elder sister (three girls and three boys)—I’d like to think that I play the big brother role well, and sometimes I step into the parental role.”

Kwach is intentional about socializing, believing that one’s net worth is tied to their network. He often shares life lessons with his siblings, reminding them that beyond what you do for others, maintaining social connections is vital.

Reflections on Childhood

Having five siblings might inspire a desire for a larger family, but Kwach chuckles, “Haha! It’s not too late. I am at the 50 percent mark.” He reflects on his upbringing with appreciation for his parents’ hard work. “I spent time with my mother selling mutumba [used clothes] in Kisumu where she is still a businesswoman. My father was in academia. Both did everything possible to take us to good schools and provide good clothing and housing. We were privileged.”

When asked if he grew up in lack, he responds, “Not really.” His parents instilled values that he continues to uphold today, ensuring he takes care of both his nuclear and extended family.

The Weight of Responsibility

The conversation shifts to the concept of “black tax.” Is it rooted in responsibility, guilt, or expectation? Kwach’s answer is straightforward: “Blessed is the hand that giveth rather than the one that receives. It is my responsibility to support and walk with others. If I can do something, I shall do so.”

Overcoming Adversity

What childhood memory stands out? Kwach recalls, “I wasn’t physically strong [chuckles]. I got into confrontations and got bullied by much stronger boys. I compensated for my physical weakness by doing better in academics and behaviorally, which ironically attracted more wrath from my bullies.” He shares how he learned to navigate those challenges, stating, “When someone undermines me, it gives me the impetus to not just deliver but exceed expectations.”

The Value of Education

Does that explain your MBA? I inquire. “It’s nice to have one but not a must-have,” he explains. “The knowledge you get from an MBA is important to your managerial function. You must have personal development at the center of what you want to do to progress professionally.”

The Man Behind the Title

When you strip away the CEO title, the father, the friend—what kind of man do you think you are? “Eddy, that is tough because I try and avoid making judgments on who I am. I let other people do that because I do not want to fall for the competency trap. I am a law-abiding citizen who loves fun. I like spending time with my social connections, not necessarily to get something from them.”

A Social Golfer

Kwach describes himself as a social golfer, not competitive like his friends who want to beat him at it. “For me, it’s the hours I spend with them that I cherish.”

Navigating Parenthood

As we delve into his insecurities, he admits, “Presently, it’s whether my children will survive the current hostile environment. They have more access to information than we did. I strive to be close to them, be their friend, and influence their behaviors.”

When asked if he is a better husband or father, he laughs, “Everyone calls me ‘daddy’ including my wife; therefore, I think I am a better father. It’s time to be a better husband now [chuckles].”

The Early Days of Love

Kwach recalls the first time he saw his wife, saying, “I approached my wife in an extremely competitive environment, between ‘hyenas’ and ‘sharks’. I had to bring my A-Game, haha! I married at 25, a year after graduating.” Their relationship has evolved, and he appreciates the everyday assessments of their commitment to each other.

Keeping the Spark Alive

Addressing the risk of falling into a routine, he emphasizes, “You cannot do it alone. You must both pull your weight and be committed to each other. What do you do so you don’t suffer the risk of a boring relationship? Be friends.”

Lessons from Heartbreak

“What did your last heartbreak teach you?” I ask. He chuckles again, “Haha! It taught me that I have to be committed to fixing and making sure my relationship with my wife stays put.”

Personal Retreats

Kwach values personal time, retreating to the village to think things through. “I like driving because that is one of the ways I create time to be alone.”

Splurging on Senses

When it comes to indulgences, he admits, “Colognes. My son has taken after me, and sometimes I find him in my bedroom trying to wear them.” He also enjoys sharing good whisky with family and friends as a token of appreciation.

Musical Influences

His taste in music is eclectic, ranging from Rhumba to amapiano and reggae. “I was a staunch patron of Tribeca; I remember DJ Bash was my longtime friend.”

A Father’s Legacy

Kwach reflects on his relationship with his father, noting, “I am closer to my son, perhaps because of the social setup we have now. He [dad] was hard on us but for a good reason.”

The Man Behind the Opinions

He wishes people understood that he is not too strict, explaining, “Some people might feel I am uptight, probably because I am strongly opinionated.”

Seizing Opportunities

“There is a Spanish saying, God says, ‘Take what you want and pay for it.’ What have you taken and how are you paying?” I ask. Kwach shares, “At my workplace, certain opportunities arose and I took them, from a tech guy or an engineer to a salesperson. That is how I have had a view from all angles. It’s been useful ultimately.”

Guiding Principles

Finally, he shares a piece of advice that has guided him over the years: “Yes, character maketh a man.”

Connections Worth Knowing

As our conversation wraps up, he mentions, “Our group chairman, Strive Masiyiwa. He owns Cassava Technologies and ADC is just one of his business arms. I challenge myself to achieve half of what he has done—believing in a cause and going after it.”

In the end, Dan Kwach is not just a CEO; he is a multifaceted individual navigating the complexities of family, career, and personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor and humility.