In a surprising turn of events, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Board of Directors on Saturday dismissed the resignation of CEO Ahmed Farah, asserting that his departure was due to the expiry of his probationary period, which concluded on April 17, 2025.
On Friday, Farah announced his resignation as KNCCI’s Chief Executive Officer after serving only five months. Appointed in November 2024 to succeed Patrick Nyangweso, Farah cited “differing perspectives” with the board as the reason for his early exit.
In a statement to the media, he expressed gratitude to the KNCCI board for the opportunity to serve and praised his team and stakeholders for their commitment to advancing Kenya’s business environment.
“As with many leadership journeys, moments of divergence can shape the way forward. In this case, differing perspectives between myself and the Board of Directors have brought my tenure to a close,” Farah said.
However, on Saturday, the KNCCI board issued a statement, quoted by local media, clarifying that Farah’s exit was not a resignation but the result of his probationary period ending, which the board chose not to extend.
“The Board of Directors of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry wishes to announce the expiry of the probation period for Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ahmed Farah’s contract,” the statement read.
The board did not provide specific reasons for not confirming Farah’s appointment but expressed appreciation for his contributions during his brief tenure and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Sources familiar with the matter, speaking to Kenya Insights, alleged tensions between Farah and the board, particularly with KNCCI President Erick Rutto.
These sources claim disagreements over operational control have strained the relationship, alleging that Rutto runs the organization like a personal fiefdom—micromanaging all decisions while leaving the CEO with no meaningful responsibilities.
They further assert he exclusively works with sycophantic board members who never challenge his unilateral decisions.
Additional allegations of financial impropriety, including calls for a forensic audit of the company’s unaudited finances (which haven’t been reviewed for years), reportedly exacerbated tensions. However, these claims remain unverified, and the board hasn’t publicly addressed them.
Questions remain about why the board later sponsored damage-control media articles, and about the extent of organizational dysfunction that allegedly forced the CEO’s abrupt departure.
The fiasco surrounding Farah’s departure highlights ongoing challenges within KNCCI’s leadership, raising questions about the organization’s governance and strategic direction.
Ahmed Farah, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), has resigned just five months after his appointment, citing irreconcilable differences with the organization’s board.
In a statement released on Friday, Farah announced that his departure was effective immediately. While he did not specify the reasons for his exit, he alluded to “differing perspectives” with the KNCCI Board of Directors as the catalyst for his decision.
“As with many leadership journeys, moments of divergence can shape the way forward,” Farah said. “In this case, differing perspectives between myself and the Board of Directors have brought my tenure to a close.”
Farah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead KNCCI, highlighting his work with a committed team and valued stakeholders dedicated to advancing Kenya’s business landscape. “It has been an honor to serve in this role and contribute to the Chamber’s strategic mandate,” he said. He also voiced optimism about KNCCI’s potential to foster a resilient and globally competitive economy under new leadership.
Farah joined KNCCI in November 2024, succeeding Patrick Nyangweso, who had served as CEO since April 2023. Prior to KNCCI, Farah was the Country Director for TradeMark Africa (TMA) Kenya, where he spearheaded initiatives focused on economic growth and regional integration. He also serves on Kenya’s National Investment Council and contributed to a presidential think tank on post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Farah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Kenyatta University and a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Manchester.
Allegations of Internal Strife
While Farah’s statement was diplomatic, an anonymous source within KNCCI, speaking to Kenya Insights, alleged that his resignation stemmed from deeper issues within the organization, including conflicts with KNCCI President Erick Rutto and concerns over financial mismanagement.
According to the source, Farah faced significant challenges working with Rutto, who is accused of exerting excessive control over the organization’s operations. “Farah has had a rough ride as CEO, particularly with the president, who acts like he runs the Chamber single-handedly,” the source claimed. “Rutto has the final say on every decision, including financial matters, where he has imposed loyalists as bank signatories to approve his projects without scrutiny.”
The source further alleged that Farah’s resignation was a preemptive move to protect his reputation amid potential scandals. “Farah is being cautious because the scandals are about to erupt, and he doesn’t want his clean record tainted,” the source said. They also claimed that Rutto boasts of enjoying the backing of President William Ruto, citing their shared ethnic background.”
Rutto’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Erick Rutto, who assumed the KNCCI presidency in 2023, has faced criticism for his leadership style, with some drawing parallels to his predecessor, Richard Ngatia, who was also accused of mismanagement and micromanaging the Chamber. Rutto, who served as Vice President under Ngatia, has been linked to similar governance issues, according to insiders.
Recently, Rutto made headlines for criticizing The Standard newspaper, accusing it of publishing negative stories that “drive away investors and damage confidence” in Kenya. “Foreigners read our headlines and think Kenya is a banana republic,” Rutto was quoted as saying.
His remarks raised questions about KNCCI’s neutrality, given its status as a non-governmental organization, and fueled speculation that his criticisms aligned with the government’s efforts to curb critical media coverage.
The Kenya Kwanza government has faced accusations of attempting to silence critics, including journalists and social media users, through measures such as withdrawing advertisements from media outlets perceived as hostile. Reports of abductions targeting government critics have further heightened concerns about press freedom and civic space in Kenya.
KNCCI’s Role
KNCCI, led by Rutto, Vice President Mustafa Ramadhan, and a Board of Trustees chaired by Kiprono Kittony, plays a critical role in advocating for Kenya’s business community. The organization works to promote trade, investment, and economic development through partnerships with government, private sector stakeholders, and international bodies.
Farah’s abrupt exit has sparked concerns about the Chamber’s stability and governance. As KNCCI navigates this leadership transition, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and accountability to restore confidence in the organization.
Kenya Insights will continue to investigate these developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
James Wanjohi Njoroge a controversial man who wears many caps under his name from being a pastor, businessman to being an online influencer has once again found himself in familiar grounds.
Mr. Wanjohi’s firm WorthStart Agency headquartered in Nairobi has been linked to alleged fake jobs scams adding to previous fraud claims against him elsewhere.
On Wednesday, the agency’s offices stationed in Pension Towers, Nairobi, was raided by DCI detectives following complaints from disgruntled members of the public who had taken prey to alleged fraud.
In a video seen by Kenya Insights, a distraught young man in his early twenties is seen weeping uncontrollably at the offices of the travel agency yelling how he has lost over Sh60, 000 that he had borrowed to pay the firm for supposed overseas opportunities.
“They promised to secure me a job in Canada, I went ahead and borrowed money elsewhere and since January they’ve been ignoring me and yet they’re holding my passport. I just want my money back.” He’s heard saying in part.
Journalists gather at the premise during the raid.
It’s reported that during the raid, detectives walked away with documents and computers for further investigations.
Confirming the raid, Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Peter Njeru said Pastor Wanjohi is a wanted man after his company, WorthStart Africa, obtained money from job seekers in the guise of getting them overseas jobs.
Mr Njeru confirmed that most of the directors and senior staff of WorthStart have already been arrested and are in custody.
“My team raided his office last week at Pension Towers in Nairobi after much documented evidence of how he had swindled millions of unemployed Kenyans with fake jobs. We have arrested his accomplices,” Mr Njeru said, referring to five senior officials of the firm. “We are also looking for Mr Wanjohi who is the founder and mastermind of the whole racket. Wherever he is let him know he is a wanted man and he should surrender himself to Nairobi Area Police,’’ Mr Njeru said.
Who is WorthStart Africa
According to the information on their website, WorthStart Limited offer a wide range of services including; Travel Consultation, Visa Application and Tracking, Hosting Services, Flight Bookings and Reservations, Hotel Bookings and Reservations
Job Searching and Placements.
They also claim to have connected over 300 people with jobs abroad and helped over 500 people in securing visas for travels abroad.
From their website, the portfolio is perfectly souped giving an impression of a well organized firm. “We are proud to have helped thousands of people achieve their dreams.” Their bio says.
A look on their social media accounts however paints a different story with a number of complaints.
DCI officers confiscating computers during a raid at the offices.
Agency’s reply
In a quick rejoinder following the viral video, the firm has come out to defend itself saying all has been sorted out with the affected client. “We understand the importance of maintaining trust and confidence in our services, and want to assure everyone that we take our client relationships seriously and strive to provide transparent and fair services. We have addressed the matter internally with the individual involved and have come to a resolution.” The statement read in part.
“It is important for our clients and partners to know that we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and customer service. We appreciate your continued trust and support.” It added.
Who is James Wanjohi Njoroge
In 2022, Mr. Wanjohi was charged with theft of a motor vehicle belonging to Juvenia Lydia Mapilele Cohen. He was charged alongside Kevin Brian Amolo and the offense was reportedly committed on November 6, 2020, in Nairobi.
He unsuccessfully vied for Member of Parliament for Roysambu under UDA party in the 2022 elections. He’s also owner of company Voyage Africa Limited, another travel management agency with offices at Milage Plaza in Westlands.
Mr. Wanjohi is also a director of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
Fake recruitment agencies in Kenya
The high rate of unemployment makes Kenya one of the largest labor exporters, hence the high number of recruitment agencies in the country. In the middle of the circus, conmen masquerading as well connected persons have planted fake recruitment agencies nearly in all major cities preying on desperate job seekers, conning them millions while promising non existent employment opportunities abroad.
To help avert this pandemic, the Kenyan government through the National Employment Authority keeps a record of licenced foreign and local recruitment agencies.
The list can be accessed through the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS) which is currently connecting 8,074 employers with 25,400 job seekers.
Interested Kenyans can connect with the recruiters by clicking www.neaims.go.ke and then selecting the “List of Private Employment Agencies” tab on the homepage.
Requirements & Steps for Travelling Abroad for Employment
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs says that before leaving Kenya;
Confirm whether the agent is licensed and registered with the National Employment Authority via the NEAIMS website
Ensure that you have done an interview, have an offer letter that you have accepted, and have signed a contract.
Also, confirm that you have personally been attested by the Ministry of Labour, and have a visa and air ticket.
Undergo pre-departure training conducted by the Ministry.
Cross-check your job duties in the foreign country – what the job entails, the details of the employer including name, address and contact, salary, and model of payment.
Know the location where you will stay after landing in the country and who will host you before you meet your employer.
Ensure you have a Work Permit, and a valid, renewable visa depending on your contract length.
Have enough money to facilitate your flight back home in case of an emergency.
Have contacts of Kenya High Commission or the Embassy of the country hosting you.
“If all the above doesn’t point to fraudulent business, once at the airport, please do not carry any luggage that you did not pack yourself. Kenya wishes you the best in your endeavours to seek employment in the diaspora,” the Ministry warns that shrewd agents may use naive recruits as mules to ferry prohibited substances.
List of approved recruitment agencies
Because of consistent fraud, it’s imperative for one to do thorough due diligence before investing and trusting their money with any purporting travel agency.
Countries across the globe including Kenya are grappling with efforts to stem the counterfeiting menace which has seen a myriad of fake products flooding the markets.
Kenya for instance has heightened it’s efforts through creation of authorities whose sole responsibility is to curb the vice and bar it’s negative impacts on consumers and the country’s GDP.
Findings by various researchers show that the scale of counterfeiting and piracy is large across the globe and it’s expected to grow.
A report compiled by Frontier for International Trademark Association (INTA) and ICC estimated that the value of international and domestic trade in counterfeit and pirated goods in 2013 was $710 -$ 917 Billion. In addition to this, the global value of digital piracy in movies, music and software alone in 2015 was $213 Billion.
The figures also translated to wider economic costs associated with the effects of counterfeiting and piracy on the displacement of legitimate economic activity.
These estimates also provide a starting point for inferring fiscal losses regarding the impacts of counterfeiting and piracy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and crime.
This means that counterfeiting has significant effects in the job market where it displaces legitimate economic activity. For instance in 2013 about 2.6 million job losses was as a result of the crime with the figure still projected to hit between 4.2 to 5.4 million by 2022.
The researchers applied econometric model which further estimated impacts of changes in the intensity of counterfeiting and piracy on economic growth which was worth between $30 Billion to $54 Billion in 2017 for the 35 OECD countries also still stands to rise.
The report also projects that the value of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods could be as high as $991 Billion by 2022.
This is because any market with serious influx of counterfeit goods will support the wider black market, will experience lost genuine employment, discouraged innovation, lost foreign investment and lost tax revenue and reduced economic activities.
And the perpetrators behind this vice have also continued to up their game by faking genuine products as authorities and innovators struggle to curb the menace.
In Kenya alone, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority estimates that one in every four products sold in local markets is fake and more than four million Kenyans are using counterfeit products.
Data from the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority National Baseline Survey also show that government spends up-to 100 billion KES in fighting the illicit trade where mining, building and construction have been hit hardest.
Beyond the borders, the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) which has been fighting the menace for over 40 years had intended for 2020 to be a year of great celebration for it’s members but was interrupted by the arrival of Covid-19 pandemic which resulted to far more unimaginable loss, illness and heartache.
Counterfeiting criminals and perpetrators of other forms of illicit trade sought nothing but profit from the dangers and disasters that the entire globe faced.
This resulted to one of the world’s faceless menaces throughout the terrible period, and spread to become a criminal contagion.
Nevertheless organizations including Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) have continued to voice their concerns against counterfeiting and piracy which are eating into effective and profitable trading for businesses in Kenya.
KNCCI in recognition to efforts by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) which is branding products with a standard check mark is re-affirming it’s commitment to enhance consumer health, protection, safety and economic interest by enforcing article 46(c) of the Kenyan laws.
Embattled songstress and suspended Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) CEO Angela Ndambuki has sneaked back to her office.
According to KNCCI insiders and staff members, embattled Chief Executive Angela Ndambuki has not only been fraudulently sneaked back to work but also her old contract renewed despite previous indictments that led to her suspension.
In her twisted and old contract, Ms Ndambuki will be paid the bonuses forgone in the 14 months she was suspended from the helm of KNCCI.
Ms Angela was announced the CEO of KNCCI in September 2017. Her contract stated that she was to hold the position for three years.
However, her intolerable attitude towards her fellow board members, antagonism and cussing staff members saw her ejected from her CEO post barely eight months from the time of the appointment.
Ms Ndambuki, a former member of the all-girl music group Tatuu, who holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi and Masters of Law Degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Edinburg in England joined the KNCCI in September 2017.
The KNCCI board had initially agreed not to entertain Ndambuki’s presence at the lobby after the probation. While confirming the new development, KNCCI Chairman Kiprono Kittony said the Board resolved not to confirm Ndambuki’s appointment after her eight-month probation.
George Kiondo was appointed by the KNCCI Board to replace in an acting capacity Ms Ndambuki who previously served as the CEO of Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) before joining the Chamber of Commerce.
Richard Ngatia, the president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) confirmed on Friday that Ms Ndambuki resumed work in July is serving under her old contract.
“She had been suspended but we reviewed the case when I joined the chamber and we agreed that she should take up her job. It is not a new appointment; she is picking up the job she was given by the board of KNCCI in 2017,” Mr Ngatia said.
