Members of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Chapter have unanimously agreed to present two nominees for the chamber’s national elections scheduled for March 2019.
Through their spokesperson Rev. Herman Kasili, the leaders said the four counties of Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia will present Charles Wako and Rodgers Mulemi for two of the top posts.
“We have agreed to present one person to contest for either the chairmanship, first or second vice chairmanship,” Rev. Kasili said.
He added that the leaders had also agreed that Mulemi will represent the region in the post of Director.
“We will support our two nominees and urge other counties also to rally behind them,” he said adding that the two members had good track records.
Mulemi said his first duty if elected to office will be to fight against graft that has negatively affected trade and business.
“We want to support the President on the war against corruption with a view to curb the vice in Western region,” he said.
He added that they will endeavor to unite farmers to practice Agri-business arguing that the best coffee is produced in Western Kenya; yet its processing was done in Central Kenya.
“We will ensure that we market our own coffee directly in the world market,” he said.
The official further pointed out that the Sugar industry in the region had been killed by politics urging politicians to leave traders to operate the industries for better performance.
“Unscrupulous traders have also contributed to the many challenges in the sugar sector by importing illegal sugar and thus affecting farmers,” he said, vowing to vigorously fight the practice.
Mulemi urged the local residents to be patriotic in order to revive the local factories which will create employment opportunities.
He at the same time said the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will petition Members of County Assemblies to enact laws that will seal corruption loopholes.
Mulemi has been the chamber’s Vihiga County chairman while Wako is a Member of the organisation in Busia County.
By Salome Alwanda
