Kiprono Kittony, the current KNCCI president, has served for two terms since 2012./KNCCI
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 25 – The race for the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) chairmanship is at its peak after the organization’s Nairobi Chair Richard Ngatia shared his manifesto Wednesday evening ahead of polls set for later this year.
The contestant together with influential politicians and different officials of the Chamber, organized a grand event where he allowed representatives of different sectors from different counties to share concerns they have experienced over time and that they would want address should he beats his opponent James Mureu who is the current Vice Chair – KNCCI.
The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Devolution Eugene Wamalwa said KNCCI supports the private sector, urging Ngatia to prioritize reforms to support the sector should he win.
“The private sector has become a huge discussion in the government today and we can see it’s impacting on the country’s GDP. Ngatia when you are given that card to lead the Chamber continue supporting the private sector as it is one of the areas are increasingly interested in and this will help you continue leaving the legacy you already have,” he said.
Ngatia said his administration’s focus will ensure SMEs thrive, urging voters to trust his leadership.
“My priority projects will be centered around the SME’s as I continue strengthening other sectors within the chamber. One of my projects will be to create an SME Industrial Park and Common facility center, I will also create an SME academy and Dual Vocational Institute not forgetting that we will have a project led by the chamber to enhance the competitiveness of women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through financing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” he said.
Ngatia added that within the first year, he will work towards setting up a special chamber fund that will offer members finance at affordable interest rates. “I will work towards having a fund that offers flexible rates and will ensure we have rules to guide the lending in order to administer a sustainable fund,” he said.
Kiprono Kittony, the current KNCCI president, has served for two terms since 2012. The 2019 election will be the third nationwide election, other elections having been held in 2012 and 2016.
