The idea of thriving in the corporate world and become a revered leader is a dream for many Kenyans.
Many perceive that those who climb the ladder and reach the penultimate glory, it's the end of their journey but to some (top one percent) defy expectations and extend their ambitions to seek other positions.
In the case of corporate guru Polycarp Igathe, he seeks to employ his business prowess, success and skills to try and steer Nairobi county as its next governor should the Azimio One Kenya Alliance hand him the ticket and win the polls in August.
Igathe's entry into the already crowded Nairobi gubernatorial race took many by surprise after he declared his bid. His last political stint ended unceremoniously after he quit as the county's Deputy Governor in just six months.
He dived back into the corporate world until Tuesday, April 19, when he threw his hat in the political ring.
Before the political limelight, Igathe was a force to reckon with in the corporate sector having graduated at the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Sociology in 1995.
He joined Tiger Brands in 2003 as the Regional Managing Director for the East African region. After ten years with the firm, he joined Vivo Energy as its Managing Director in February 2013. The position made him the first MD in Kenya following the company's acquisition of Shell assets in 16 African countries.
He took on the task for four years before trying his hand in politics, as Mike Mbuvi Sonko's running mate in the 2017 polls under the "Let's fix Nairobi" slogan. The duo turned out to be the winning formula, clinching the Nairobi governorship seat.
After just six months at City Hall, Igathe resigned and took up the role of Chief Commercial Officer at a local bank in May 2018. He assumed the position of the lender's MD later that year.
Igathe then resumed work at Vivo Energy as its Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
In March 2020, he rejoined the bank as its Chief Commercial Officer. Igathe who announced his candidature on Tuesday, April 19, revealed that he had resigned from his job to embark on his campaign.
