Ahmed Farah has stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) after serving just five months in office. Farah, who took the helm with high hopes of advancing the institution’s strategic mandate, cited “differing perspectives” with the board as the reason behind his early departure.
In a statement released to the media, Farah expressed his gratitude to the KNCCI board for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of Kenya’s business environment. He also commended his team and the wider network of stakeholders for their dedication and collaborative spirit in championing economic growth.
“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,” he stated.
Despite his exit, Farah voiced optimism about KNCCI’s future, emphasizing the chamber’s potential to foster a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive economy. He encouraged the institution to continue building on its strong foundation through capable leadership and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.
Before joining KNCCI, Farah served as the Country Director for TradeMark Africa in Kenya. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, particularly those aimed at empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. His track record also includes serving on the presidential think tank tasked with rebuilding Kenya’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farah holds a master’s degree in international development from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Kenyatta University.
His departure comes at a time when the KNCCI is playing an increasingly vital role in advocating for business-friendly policies, improving trade facilitation, and strengthening the country’s position in regional and international markets. The business community will now be watching closely to see who the board appoints to steer the chamber forward in this pivotal period.
Farah’s resignation underscores the challenges of leadership within influential institutions and the importance of aligning strategic visions at the top.
