President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero present Mzee Gerald Gikonyo with the ‘Key to the City’ for his contribution to the growth of business in Nairobi. PHOTO/PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday witnessed the Nairobi County Government honour a pioneer city businessman, Mzee Gerald Gikonyo Kanyuira.
Mzee Kanyuira – who was honoured with the ‘Key to the City’ for his contribution to the growth of business in Nairobi – is the remaining founder member of the multi-billion Rwathia Investment Group that has employed over 100,000 Kenyans across the country.
Mr Kanyuira is from Rwathia village in Kangema Constituency, Murang’a County.
The Rwathia business started in 1930 when a few young men from that village travelled to Nairobi and traded in vegetables.
Even today, the 103-year old man supervises several businesses in the sprawling enterprise that is a household name in various cities and towns in the country.
The President described Mzee Kanyuira and his generation as hardworking and determined people, who left the comfort of their homes to establish ventures that have since grown to huge businesses.
He thanked Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero for the honour, saying the “history of the men and women who built Nairobi must never be forgotten’’.
“Mzee Kanyuira and his generation are the ones who changed Nairobi from being a city of ‘Wazungu’ to a city of Africans,” the President said.
President Kenyatta told the young generation to learn from the pioneer African businessmen that hardwork and determination pay.
The Head of State challenged local companies to take a leap and invest in Government projects, especially in the infrastructure and energy sectors.
He said the participation of local companies would boost creation of jobs and the economy.
Members of the Rwathia Investment Group, including Equity Bank Chairman Peter Munga, were at the meeting at State House, Nairobi.