Paunrana, who is also the CEO of Athi River Mining takes over from Polycarp Igathe who has been in the position for the last two years/FILE
Paunrana, who is also the CEO of Athi River Mining takes over from Polycarp Igathe who has been in the position for the last two years. Prior to his appointment, Paunrana served as KAM vice chairman.
Igathe will remain an ex-officio member of the board.
Paunrana says his focus will be on the industrialisation of the country through the growth of SMEs, job creation and further expansion of the manufacturing sector.
“I have so far adopted a sector based approach by focusing on growing industrial sectors,” he said.
“I am happy that the board has elected Paunrana as its chairman and as the vice chairman,” Igathe said while commenting on the new changes.
“I have worked with Paunrana for the last two years as my deputy and he is extremely dedicated to seeing the growth of the manufacturing sector in this country. I think KAM cannot be in better hands, he is an outstanding leader because he has a deep understanding of the issues in the industrial sector.” he added.
Meanwhile Flora Mutahi was voted the new vice chairperson of KAM board. She is the founder and CEO of Melvin Marsh International Limited with extensive local and international experience in strategic leadership, business development and market penetration and marketing.
She holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town, BSc Finance and Accounts from the UK and is a Certified Public Accountant. She also serves on the Board for Seed Hope.
KAM has 17 board members who include Helen Kimani of Kevian Kenya, Mucai Kunyiha of Coopers Kenya, Lutaf Kassam of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Sachen Gudka of Sankem Interlabels, Mahul Shah of Spinknit Limited, Palu Dhanani of Universal Corporation Limited, Bimal Kantaria of Elgon Chemicals, Bharat Shah of Kenafric Industries and Joseph Lithimbi of Associated Motor Vehicle Assemblers Limited.
Others are Marc Engel of Unilever Limited, Kaushik Shah of Mabati Rolling Mills, Muhoho Kenyatta of Brookside Dairy, Stephen Brooks of Homa Lime and Rajan Shah of Capwell Industries.
