Safaricom interim CEO Michael Joseph has backed the appointment of Peter Ndegwa to succeed the late Bob Collymore.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, Joseph said that Ndegwa has proven that he has what it takes to hold the position.
He also said that he is an experienced person in this field, adding that he believes in is capabilities to restore the lost glory of the communication firm.
“Peter Ndegwa has multinational experience. I think he was the right choice for the job” he said.
Joseph also said that the management of the firm went through an extensive process to ensure that they find a replacement for Collymore.
He said that Ndegwa emerged as the best candidate for the position.
“We went through a long extended process to recruit the next CEO of Safaricom. That process took us almost a year. The best candidate was Peter Ndegwa,” he retorted.
Michael also dismissed claims that the management was forced to appoint a Kenyan into the position. He noted that they saw the need to name a Kenyan to showcase his skills in the post.
“I wouldn’t say we gave in to demands. I think it is the right thing to do. I think after 19 years a Kenyan should be running Safaricom,” he added.
Ndegwa will replace Collymore from April 2020. He has emerged as the first Kenyan to head the giant telco.
He previously worked for East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) as finance director