Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has shocked many Kenyans and the business world by announcing her move to step down as Keroche Breweries CEO and named her replacement.
Tabitha dropped the bombshell as Keroche Breweries marked its 25th anniversary as she unveiled Potas Anaya, the former Chief Financial Officer, (CFO) as her “deserving successor.”
She held the CEO position at the company since its inception in 1997 when she founded the firm as a fortified wines maker alongside her husband Joseph Karanja at their family farm.
“Having navigated the journey as the captain for 25 years, the time has come for me, Tabitha Karanja, to pass the baton to a new generation of business leaders,” said Tabitha.
She added, “With immense pride, I hereby announce my decision to step down as the CEO of Keroche Breweries, entrusting the leadership to a deserving successor.”
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Tabitha told the gathering that she had steered the Naivasha-based brewer from its modest early stages to become Kenya’s second-largest brewery and the largest owned by a native.
She noted that despite numerous hurdles she grappled with as the Keroche CEO, including Covid-19 instigated layoffs and tax row with Kenya Revenue Authority, it remained resilient.
The Keroche founder lauded her family, friends and customers for their support during her 25-year stint, saying she looked to serving as Nakuru Senator and Deputy Majority Leader.
“I am now ready to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to the honor of serving as the Senator of Nakuru County and as the Deputy Leader of the Majority in the Senate, representing our remarkable nation.
“The trust bestowed upon me by His Excellency, President Dr. William Ruto, and the esteemed Leadership of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition humbles me deeply.”
The then embattled CEO, who was fighting a claim by KRA that the brewer owed it Sh22.79 billion in unpaid taxes dating back to 2008, was elected Nakuru Senator in the August 9, 2022 poll.
