The Rise and Rise of Polycarp Igathe After Losing Nairobi Governor Race

Polycarp Igathe has continued to establish his reputation as one of the most resilient corporate executives in Kenya despite facing many political disappointments within the last decade.

From holding some of the highest executive posts in some of the largest corporations in Kenya to running for the post of governor of Nairobi and coming back to the corporate world, Igathe’s career path shows a professional life that has blossomed outside politics.

In his recent media outing in association with Kenya Airways, he finds himself back on the corporate map within the country.

This businessman, politician, and corporate executive is currently employed at Kevian Ltd. as the Director of Sales and Marketing.

He has a long history of being an experienced marketing and business strategist, having held various leadership positions in Equity Bank Kenya, Vivo Energy Africa, Vivo Energy Kenya, and various multinational organisations.

His second term at the Equity Group came after working in Equity Bank Kenya, where he worked as a Chief Commercial Officer and was later made the Managing Director of Equity Bank Kenya.

Despite his political aspirations failing to bear fruit, he has proven his skills in changing to executive roles.

Political Journey Interrupted But Not Defined by Defeat

Igathe first entered elective politics in 2017 when he resigned as Managing Director of Vivo Energy Kenya to become the running mate of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko under the Jubilee Party ticket.

The pair won the election, making Igathe the second Deputy Governor of Nairobi City County.

However, his stay at City Hall was short-lived.

In January 2018, Igathe resigned from office, citing a complete breakdown in trust with his boss.

“It has become increasingly difficult for me to continue serving in an environment where the trust necessary to enable me to support you as your principal assistant is lacking,” Igathe stated in his resignation letter.

Also Read:Kenya Airways Reveals Easy Way to Change Your Flight Without Calling Customer Care

Nairobi Governor Bid Falls Short

Four years later, Igathe made another attempt at elective politics.

On April 19, 2022, he declared interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial race under the Jubilee Party before eventually being selected as the Azimio-OKA coalition’s candidate in the August General Election.

The contest attracted national attention as he faced eventual winner Johnson Sakaja.

When votes were counted, Sakaja secured 699,392 votes while Igathe garnered 573,518 votes, finishing second.

After the loss, Igathe quickly shifted his focus back to corporate leadership instead of remaining active in partisan politics.

Years of Experience in Corporate Leadership

Igathe has long been a well-known figure as one of the most successful corporate leaders in Kenya.

Having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology from the University of Nairobi, he started his career in Australia as a finance officer of Queensland Health.

He then came back to Kenya and worked for the Coca-Cola Company before he joined Africa Online as a Sales & Marketing Manager.

He was also a Sales Operations Manager and Marketing Manager at Kenya Breweries Limited.

Then he became the leader of Haco Industries before becoming Managing Director of Vivo Energy Kenya.

He also graduated from the Advanced Management Programme at Strathmore University, in partnership with IESE Business School, Spain, and was National Chairman of AIESEC at the University of Nairobi.

Leadership Beyond Boardrooms

Beyond executive appointments, Igathe has held numerous leadership positions across Kenya’s public and private sectors.

He chaired the Kenya Association of Manufacturers between 2012 and 2014 and later served as Chairman of the Petroleum Institute of East Africa from 2014 to 2016.

He also served as Director and Trustee of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), chaired the Board of Management at Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School, and was appointed by the President to chair the Anti-Counterfeit Agency in 2015 before later leading the Special Economic Zones Authority.

Following his resignation from politics, Igathe rejoined Equity Group, where he resumed leadership as Group Chief Commercial Officer.

Equity Group said he would spearhead business growth by providing integrated financial solutions across the value chain.

Also Read:Vivo Energy Expands Beyond Africa, Completes TotalEnergies Marketing Jordan Acquisition

Kenya Airways Partnership Highlights Latest Corporate Move

Most recently, Igathe has resurfaced in another major corporate collaboration, this time representing Kevian Ltd. as its Director of Sales and Marketing.

In a statement, Kenya Airways announced that its General Manager for Digital, Brand and Marketing, Martin Gitonga, had met with Igathe to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the national carrier and Kevian Ltd., particularly through the company’s flagship Pick & Peel brand.

“As Kenya Airways prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, we remain committed to collaborating with brands that drive economic growth, create shared value, and deliver meaningful experiences for our customers,” Kenya Airways stated.

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A photo of a Kenya Airways Plane. Photo/ Kenya Airways