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Businessman Richard Ngatia maybe the next Fourth Nairobi Governor 2022 if Jubilee and Odm parties coalition agrees on the offing political deal.
Mr.Ngatia is a renowned businessman and KNCCI President. He is accredited for transforming the provision of healthcare equipment in Kenya and has provided employment to thousands of biomedical engineers in the Country.
During his tenure as Chamber President, the Chamber has increased its visibility through trade support, lobbying and advocacy for the business community. More than 20,000 MSMEs have joined the Chamber since the inception of his leadership.
Following his tremendous performance in business support services and as an entrepreneur, Mr. Ngatia is being eyed for the top job in Nairobi City County.
Ngatia says that through an MOU signed between KNCCI and the Council of Governors, he has a sound working relationship and constantly collaborates with all governors to support businesses across the 47 counties.
He says that given the opportunity, he would deliver the much needed change in the Country’s capital,famoulsy known as Cityhall.
However he believes in the will of the people and is ready to accept the outcome of the election and continue to work closely with all incoming governors.
Ngatia stole the show at the Azimio la Umoja ceremony with his mind boggling, passionate, well calculated and articulate speech that reminded the next government of the greater need for job creation and entreprise development, especially for the youth and informal sector.
He is naturally a prolific and articulate public speaker and when he rose to speak, many would have thought that he has been a politician all his life.
He further emphasised that Chamber is a messenger for peace throughout the election period.
“Even as we position ourselves for the elections, let us remember that peace and stability are critical for business continuity and economic growth.” he said.
It is at the Azimio la Umoja ceremony where he hinted that he will be seeking further audience with Nairobi residents ahead of the 2022 election.
“Nairobi mpo…Nairobi mpo… Leo si siku yangu lakini tutakuwa na mazungumzo hapo baadaye (Nairobi residents, today is not my day but we shall be having conversations later),” Ngatia said.
He said that should he be in the race, he will officially launch his bid in the presence of Nairobians and unveil his development blueprint come January 2022.
“The people of Nairobi are very hardworking, resilient and focused. They deserve to be rewarded with a prosperous and sustainable city.” he said.
He says that such bid would be motivated by his desire to drive long-term change in Nairobi and not for any other motive.
“This will be our journey not mine. Together we shall initiate and maintain the Nairobi we all desire to see.” He noted.
He further says that he is not new to the Nairobi development arena. He was born and bred in Nairobi, and continues to support thousands of SMEs and jua kali businesses in the city revamp after a tough covid pandemic period.
This means that should Ngatia be in the race, he will have to square it out with Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi who launched his bid in October while Makadara MP George Aladwa has also expressed interest but he is yet to launch his bid.
ODM Secretary General has been quoted in a section of media saying that the Azimio la Umoja Movement will not be fielding more than one candidate for the top seats in the county and other areas where both parties enjoy significant support.
This means that the gubernatorial aspirants could be subjected to joint nominations despite speculations that consensus could be used to determine the best candidate for Nairobi.
Observers opine that the tribal card could play a major role and with the ODM party leader targeting support from the Mount Kenya community in and outside Nairobi,chances are high that a candidate from Mount Kenya could be favored.
Topnewskenya.co.ke, understands that talks around the same are ongoing with a delicate balancing act in play so that all tribes who support Raila’s presidential bid are accommodated.
However, Ngatia says that everything could narrow down to the economic model, policies and promises that individual aspirants have.
“I know that we have other factors that come in play in our politics but for now our focus is on developing a progressive plan and an economic model that we believe will change Nairobi.”Ngatia added.
The KNCCI which he heads acts as intermediary between government, business and the general public in a bid to foster good relations that allow trade to prosper.
The KNCCI was established in 1965 after the amalgamation of the three existing Chambers of Commerce at the time,the Asian, African and European Chambers mandated to protect and develop the interests of the business community.
In 2014, President Uhuru Kenyatta, as the Patron, Industry and Agriculture (EACCIA), the East Africa relaunched the Chamber and it is now present in all the 47 counties through its county chapters, and has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Council of Governors to help promote greater trade and investment at county level.
