Dr Eric Rutto has gotten the backing of delegates from Central Kenya and Upper Eastern regions in his bid to become the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president.

The delegates expressed their full support for Dr Rutto, current KNCCI Vice President, and his running mate Mustapha Ramadhan, who is the Chairman of the Mombasa County Chamber, to head the chamber.

The endorsement for the duo by the two major regions comes ahead of the KNCCI elections scheduled for June 8, 2023.

The delegates argued that the KNCCI can play a significant role in the development of the economy as the leading membership-based trade supporting institution in the country.

According to the delegates, with his wealth of experience in business both locally and internationally, Dr Rutto had the best opportunity to transform the chamber at the helm.

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Speaking on behalf of the KNCCI delegates from the Lower Eastern counties, Chairman Joshua said Rutto and Ramadhan presented the best team to transform the chamber.

“We the members of the chamber of commerce and industry in the lower Eastern five counties of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, and Marsabit have unanimously resolved to support the winning team of Dr. Rutto and Mustaffa,” said Joshua.

He added, “Having listened to his manifesto, we believe he is the right candidate for this post.”

On his part, Dr Rutto pledged to empower businesses in Kenya to compete locally and globally, even as the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues.

“Immediately we are in office, my team will embark on cooperation with the line ministries and county governments to negotiate ways we can level the playing field for local businesses by lobbying the government to lower the cost of doing business, thereby enabling them to grow and support Kenya's growing economy,” said Dr Rutto.

Ramadhan added that they had already mapped out SMEs and MSMEs in a digital database with more than 31,000 businesses onboarded as well as challenges they face in Mombasa.

He says this will be replicated in all the 47 counties to enable the thousands of formal and informal businesses to benefit from cheaper finance.

Dr Rutto now enjoys the backing of North Rift, South Rift, Lower Eastern, Upper Eastern, and Central Kenya regions and has exuded confidence he will clinch the KNCCI presidency.