The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry presidential candidate Dr Eric Ruto has promised to back and enact a proposal by women directors in Nyanza region to create a women in business, youth and people with disability office if elected.
This follows cries from the chamber women directors in Kisumu, Homabay and Siaya who relayed their disappointment terming the institution as a gender-biased organization. This office was abolished four years ago.
“We were dismayed following reports that the women in business office had been removed from the chamber constitution without the approval of the national governing committee,” women representatives said.
Dr Ruto has termed the obliteration of the office as an illegality and against the spirit of the constitution of Kenya, terming women as important players in the business community. He added that women run more than 70% of small business in the country and must be respected and given a voice to have their say in the business sector led institution.
“I have made it my foremost priority that given the opportunity to act as Chamber President I will undo the injustice to all our women members, the youth and people living with disability in Kenya. We will make it right and make it worthwhile for all our members despite their gender, age and abilities,” Dr Ruto told KNCCI County directors in Kisumu.
Speaking at the same event Chamber Vice President candidate Mustafa Ramadhan challenged the region to invest in the various value chains with the chamber promising to provide rice farmers with equipment to enable packing and branding.
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“The potential in the Nyanza region is unmatched by many other regions ranging from blue economy, mining, agriculture to tourism. As a chamber we are expected by our members in this region to assist access markets, equipment and drive investors into this area to develop value chains in what will surely change incomes,” Mr Mustafa said.
The Ruto-Mustafa team was speaking after receiving their endorsement from chamber directors from Kisumu and Siaya counties during their upper Nyanza regional tour. This adds to six previous regions that have already backed the Rutto-Mustafa candidature. Other are lower Eastern, Upper Eastern, Central Kenya region, Southern Nyanza, Upper Rift and Lower Rift.
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