Erick Rutto has been elected as the new President of the Kenya National Cham,bers of Commerce and Industry.
In the Chambers elections conducted on Thursday, Rutto bagged the position after garnering 291 votes against 208 incumbent president Richard Ngatia.
Rutto, who has been the chamber's vice president, will be deputised by Mustapha Ramadhan.
Ngatia, who ascended to the KNCCI top seat unopposed in 2019, was seeking reelection with Abdulwalli Shariff as his running mate.
Despite receiving support from prominent national figures, including Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Ngatia was unsuccessful in winning the seat.
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Governors from Bungoma, Vihiga, and Kajiado, notably Wilber Ottichilo and Joseph Lenku, had also endorsed his reelection.
On Tuesday, Rutto promised greater inclusivity inside the chambers when he unveiled his agenda, including initiatives to boost female and youth-owned business involvement.
According to him, this also applies to enterprises run by people with impairments.
Rutto also said he would create a business-conducive environment if he won the seat.
His plan will 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.
