On July 18, the Council of Eminent Persons of Murang’a confirmed the appointment of Joe Kibe as its new Chairman.
The real-estate mogul who is at the helm of high-end housing such as Bahati Ridge Estate in Thika was voted in unanimously.
Having served as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, the enigmatic tycoon has managed to keep himself relatively anonymous by maintaining a simple lifestyle away from public scrutiny.
However, in the cabals of Murang'a's elite list, he is highly respected due to his vast experience in in policy formulation and implementation, human resource management, budgeting and accounting.
He is currently involved in agricultural development as an investor, with particular interest in international horticultural trade.
His special interest in financial investment and corporate governance has led to his current involvement as a Director in over 10 private sector companies and non-profit foundations and trusts, on top of his vast real estate portfolio.
Kibe's latest appointment will see him lead an elite group of Murang' businessmen including Royal Media Services Chairman Dr S.K. Macharia, Bishop Gideon Githiga, Maina Wanjigi, Amb. Solomon Karanja, Muthoni Likimani, Nicholas Ng’ang’a and Professor Lucy Irungu.
Following the latest vote exercise, Dr. D. Nyamu Njoka will continue serving as the council’s secretary while Dr. Peter Munga will continue serving as the coordinator.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, through Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) James Macharia, sent his congratulatory message to the new Chairman and urged the council to continue with its work of seeking peace and development both in Murang’a County and the country at large.
The elite club was formed in 2015 and registered as a company limited by guarantee in 2018.
As expected in a council comprising of some of the country's wealthiest group, membership to the Council is by invitation only by the Board of the Council depending on but not limited to one’s service to the community.
According to the council's by-laws, the other conditions for an invitation to The Council are are listed as follows:
- The Nominee should be men and women born and bred and or married in Murang’a County.
- They should have served the Nation in the Public or Private sector with distinction and with an eye on Public Good.
- They should have gained wisdom that comes with age.
- They should not be looking forward to offer themselves in any elective political office
- They should be men and women of integrity who will not bring The Council into disrepute.
Kibe, will replace former Chairman, the late Charles Rubia, who passed away in December 2019
