The Kenya national chamber of commerce and industry, was established in 1965.This was two years after Kenya became a sovereign state and one year after the country acquired republic status. The chamber like many public institutions in Kenya is”unitary” in character, i.e. it is the umbrella organization of businessmen and industrialists in the country.
The chamber was formed after a decision by the then president of the republic of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta initiated a union of the various chambers which worked either for various ethnic, racial groups or regional interest .The purpose of uniting the Chambers was to establish one strong private sector apex body to partner with the government in creating a vibrant economy and united country. Since 1965 the image and the character of the new “Kenya National chamber of Commerce and Industry” has continued to grow from strength to strength through the back up services of the well organized secretariat in Nairobi as well as at the network of branches covering every administrative district of the republic of Kenya.
The supreme authority of the chamber are its members through the GOVERNING COUNCIL which consists of two representatives from each branch and five elected members ,chairmen of standing committees ,the national chairman ,two vice –chairmen and the immediate past national chairman.
The chamber has always worked closely and identified itself with the Kenyan government’s development policies. In 1979 the fortunes of the chamber continued for the better when the second president of the republic of Kenya, H.E Daniel T.arap Moi became the official patron of the chamber, a position that was previously held by his predecessor H.E.President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. This continued presidential patronage since inception to the current President H.E. President Mwai Kibaki CGH, MP and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of Kenya enables the chamber to forge very close working relationships with the Kenyan government departments and parastatals.
Currently the KNCCI is headed by Mr. David Mburu Githere as the National Chairman with Mr. Laban Onditi Rao and Andrew Mataza as 1st and 2nd Vice Chairman respectively. The officers are supported by 13 Standing Committee Chairmen. The secretariat is headed by Mr. T.G Ruhiu. Bellow are the details of the current office bearers:-
OFFICERS OF THE CHAMBER
Mr. David M. Githere - National Chairman
Mr. Laban Onditi - 1st Vice National Chairman
Mr. Andrew Mataza - 2nd Vice National Chairman
CHAIRMEN OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Mr. Joe Wanjau - Chairman, Economic Development
Mr. Wilson K. Kipkazi - Chairman, Transport & Communications
Mr. Murungi Baituru - Chairman, Wholesale/Dist.
Mr. Tito C. Koskei - Chairman, Membership
Mr. F.N. Mwangi - Chairman, Agriculture
Mr. J.M.Mugutu - Chairman, Education & Training
Mr. Abass S.Mohammed- Chairman, Livestock
Mr. Gabriel Mukuria - Chairman, Legislation & Local Authority
Mrs. Jane E.Ogwapit - Chairlady, Women in Business
Mr. J.I. Nyagah - Chairman, SME
Mr. Ezra Katete - Chairman, Fairs & Exhibition
Mr. Mose Kengere - Chairman, Export & Tourism Promotion
Dr. S.Mzungu - Chairman, Manufacturers
Mr. T.G. Ruhiu - Chief Executive
