The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has named a new chief executive officer after defeating a petition that challenged the ouster of its previous boss on poor performance.
KK Mutahi who has been serving in the role on interim capacity since the ouster of Ahmed Farah has been appointed to the position effective from December 1.
The former chamber boss Farah lost a petition last month where he challenged his termination at the Employment and Labour Relations Court alleging unfair dismissal and constitutional violations.
Mr Farah was appointed to the post in November 2024 on a three-year contract which was terminated within the probation period on April 17, 2025, with KNCCI citing poor performance as justification for the termination.
He sued, claiming his dismissal had been politically motivated, procedurally flawed, an abuse of power and a violation of constitutional rights.
In its ruling, the court found that Mr Farah’s claims were contractual disputes improperly framed as constitutional grievances, rendering the petition legally unsustainable.
“The dispute about fairness of the termination of the probationary service was a contractual issue not importing a constitutional intervention and remedy,” the court ruled.
KK Mutahi steps into the role with over 20 years of experience in corporate management which he is expected to tap in his new role of re-engineering processes at the trade support lobby and improving advocacy.
Previously, Mutahi served various roles within oil marketer Rubis including holding the Country Retail Manager post.
Within KNCCI, Mutahi has served as the Vice Chairman of the lobby’s Meru County Chapter and as the county chapter manager for Nairobi.
He also served as the Chairman of the Chamber Presidential Delivery Unit & County Empowerment where he coordinated the implementation of the chamber president’s flagship programs.
“KK Mutahi’s extensive leadership experience and strategic vision make the ideal person to guide our organization into its next chapter of innovation and growth. We are confident that under his leadership, the chamber will continue to thrive and deliver exceptional value to our member stakeholders,” said Erick Rutto KNCCI Chamber President.
