Dr Erick K. Ruto has been elected the new Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president defeating Richard Ngatia, the incumbent president.
In the elections conducted on Thursday during the Chamber AGM held at Bomas of Kenya, Rutto bagged the position after garnering 291 votes against 208 Richard Ngatia. Ngatia lost his spirited bid to run for Nairobi in the 2022 elections when Azimio coalition settled for Polycarp Igathe.
Dr Ruto, who has been the chamber’s vice president, will be deputised by Mustapha Ramadhan.
Ngatia who was elected unopposed as Chamber President in 2019 taking over from Kiprono Kittony 2019 was seeking reelection with Abdulwalli Shariff as his running mate.
Ngatia was defeated despite being endorsed by key national leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru. Ngatia also received endorsements from various Chamber chapters across the country.
KNCCI Chairman Richard Ngatia is Bizna SME Awards chief guest
Governors including Ken Lusaka of Bungoma and Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga and Kajiado’s Joseph Lenku had also thrown their weight behind his reelection.
While unveiling his manifesto on Tuesday, Dr Ruto pledged more inclusivity within the chambers including plans to increase participation by women and youth-owned businesses.
Rutto also said he was going to create a business-conducive environment if he won the seat.
His plan is to be achieved through advocacy, networking and collaboration, economic diplomacy, strengthening governance and leadership at the chamber and market linkages and diplomacy.
“In a world that is constantly changing, it is my vision that by working together we can build a chamber that is able to adapt, prioritise and effectively meet the wants and needs of its membership, partners and Kenya’s economy,”
he said.
