After over 30 years in business, Naivasha industrialist Tabitha Karanja and owner of Keroche Breweries has decided to enter into politics.
Tabitha as she is popularly known has decided to vie for the Senatorial seat in Nakuru county come 2022 after months of consultations.
The renowned entrepreneur in 2015 shot to the limelight after winning the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship (Transformational Business Award).
The 57-year-old who was also the founder of the Naivasha-based brewery in 2010 received Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) from President Mwai Kibaki.
She is currently in a protracted court battle with KRA over tax returns targeting some of the company’s popular brands.
According to her, she had decided to enter into the crowded race for the seat after consultations with her family and friends.
Addressing the press in Naivasha, Karanja said that she had all that was required to vie for the seat that is currently held by Senator Susan Kihika.
“For months we have been involved in consultations with close friends and I feel it’s time I gave this seat a shot,” she said.
She noted that for years, investors had been locked out of the market or bullied due to harsh laws and unfair business practices.
“I have been at the centre of the unfair business practices and given a chance I would introduce laws that would protect investors and increase business opportunities,” she said.
This comes a couple of days after a non-governmental organization Mizani Africa released an opinion survey on who were the most preferred political leaders in Nakuru County.
Under the survey, Governor Lee Kinyanjui emerged the top garnering 38.6 per cent followed by Kihika at 30 per cent and former Governor Kinuthia Mbugua at 11.4 per cent.
In the senators’ post, former Senator James Mungai led at 34 per cent, Hillary Singei at 27.3 per cent and Mwai Gachunga at 17.3 per cent.
According to political analyst Joel Karani, the entry of Karanja into the senatorial seat would be very interesting given her past business experience and financial muscle.
“With Kihika going for the gubernatorial seat Ms Karanja has a big chance given that the former Senator James Mungai performed dismally when he was elected into office,” he said.
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