On Friday, June 9, Erick Rutto was announced as the new President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
Rutto who previously served as KNCCI Vice President was elected President after beating incumbent Richard Ngatia.
Ngatia managed 208 votes while Rutto who will be deputized by Mustapha Ramadhan emerged the victor with 291 votes.
Speaking after being announced the winner, the new KNCCI president promised to work with everyone.
“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.
Background
According to an article on Business Today, Rutto was born and raised in Eldama Ravine, a town in Baringo County.
He is also the proprietor of Reale Hospital which he founded in 2008.
KNCCI politics
In the run up to the KNCCI elections, President William Ruto’s name was prominently featured during the campaigns.
It was alleged that Rutto was mentioning the President’s name in his campaigns without his consent.
“Rutto was bragging that he is close to President William Ruto and will get appointed as a Cabinet Secretary but when the list was read his name was missing from the list
“We can’t believe that he is connected to the Head of State,” a KNCCI member and delegate who sought anonymity said.
KNCCI is a not-for-profit private company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act Chapter 486 of the laws of Kenya.
The chamber is working to protect commercial and industrial interests of Kenyan business community.
KNCCI advocates for the creation of a favorable commercial, trade and investment environment that supports enterprise expansion.
The membership of KNCCI constitutes small, micro enterprises (MSEs), medium and large enterprises.