Erick Rutto has been elected the new Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry president.
In the 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.
Ngatia lost the seat despite having bagged endorsement from key national leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru.
Governors including Ken Lusaka of Bungoma and Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga and Kajiado's Joseph Lenku had also thrown their weight behind his reelection.
While unveiling his manifesto on Tuesday, Rutto pledged more inclusivity within the chambers including plans to increase participation by women and youth-owned businesses.
This, he said, will also apply to businesses ran by persons living with disabilities.
Rutto also said he was going to create a business-conducive environment if he won the seat.
His plan is to 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.
