The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Richard Ngatia, on Monday, May 8, intensified his campaigns for his re-election bid.
Ngatia, who took over KNCCI leadership in 2019, is seeking a second term but faces stiff competition from his vice president Dr Eric Rutto.
The KNCCI boss met chamber delegates drawn from the 6 coastal counties in Malindi, where he was endorsed as the favourite candidate.
“KNCCI Coast region branch wishes to announce and make a declaration that as the coastal region they are locked behind Ngatia’s re-election bid as the KNCCI president," declared officials from the coastal region.
Ngatia seeks re-election under Team Volcano with Abdulwalli Sharrif of Tunasco as running mate. Tunasco has interests in the agriculture, oil, and construction sectors. Dr Rutto settled on Mombasa-based businessman Mustapha Ramadhan as his deputy.
“Your pledge to vote for me and Shariff is a demonstration of your commitment to make a difference together. I want to assure you that we will continue fighting tirelessly for our shared prosperity,” Ngatia stated after the endorsement.
The businessman explained to the delegates that he was instrumental in helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to get government incentives, especially during the pandemic.
He added that he planned to sign pacts with the national and county governments to ensure business people enjoy a conducive business environment.
“I want to see a chamber that is working very closely with various ministries with particular the Ministry of Trade just to see how can we be able to part of the special economic zones being put in place and we want to see as many special economic zones being put across this country since they will support business,” he explained.
At the same time, Ngatia pledged to help increase KNCCI membership in the country to boost its visibility in Kenya and beyond.
“By the end of the term, we want to improve our membership so that we can see as many people get into this wonderful organization. To increase our visibility not only in the country but also in the region but, most importantly, in the globe as we seek partnerships with different foreign direct investors and local partners to see how best they can work together,” he stated.
Ngatia also received re-election endorsement from other regions, including the Lake Region, Mount Kenya, Lower Eastern, and Nairobi Metropolitan.
During the last KNCCI elections in 2019, Ngatia became the first national chamber boss to assume office unopposed.
KNCCI was established in 1965 as a dependable intermediary between government, businesses and the general public to foster good relations that allow trade to prosper.
