Kericho Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai succumbs to Covid-19
Kericho Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai has died at Siloam Hospital in Kericho where she had been receiving treatment.
Kikwai passed on Saturday, March 20 after battling Covid-19 in hospital for two weeks.
“She was discharged on Thursday but on Friday night, her condition deteriorated and she was rushed back to the hospital. She succumbed on Saturday at around 9:30 a.m,” a family member stated.
The Deputy Governor was serving the second and final term having been first elected in the year 2013 together with Governor Paul Kiprono Chepkwony.
President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to the family, the Governor and residents of Kericho County following the passing on of Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai.
In his message of comfort, the President described the departed County leader as a devoted public servant who was deeply committed to the progress and wellbeing of Kericho community in particular, and all Kenyans in general.
President Kenyatta prayed to God to grant comfort and fortitude to the family of Ms Kikwai and residents of Kericho at this difficult time of mourning.
Deputy President William Ruto was also among the first top Government officials to condole with Kikwai’s family and Kericho County at large.
“Our country has yet again lost a progressive and consummate leader. Her Excellency Susan Kikwai — the Deputy Governor for Kericho County — was a humble yet bold and firm leader who inspired and elevated the presence and voices of women in our politics.She was a distinguished servant leader who transformed the lives of many people. We celebrate her accomplishments and the rich legacy that she leaves behind. The Kikwai family, the loved ones and the people of Kericho County are in our prayers during this painful time. Rest In Peace, Madam Susan.” Ruto said of Kikwai.
She was the daughter of former Moi-era Internal Security Assistant Minister William Kikwai, who passed on in November last year.
Susan served as the Managing Director of Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) under the Ministry of Finance from 2005 to 2012.
She had a Masters of Business Administration in International Management from Morgan State University in Maryland. Her first degree is in Bachelor of Science in Economics and her second degree is in Bachelor of Arts French from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island.
In 2007, Ms. Kikwai was awarded The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) by the former president of Kenya H.E. Mwai Kibaki for her outstanding performance in investment promotion. In the year 2008, she was overwhelmingly elected President of the African Investment Promotion Agency Network (AfrIPAnet) by forty-five African Nations.
While working for the national government, she was instrumental in attracting various domestic, regional, and international investments. In 2003, Kikwai received Awards for reinforcement of investment promotion at the regional level (Kenya and Rwanda) and the Department of the Year Award among other Awards and Honors.
As a very passionate person on entrepreneurship and investments, the fallen Deputy Governor was instrumental in the organizing of the first-ever County Investment Conference (KECICO).
She has also served in several boards including vision 2030 Delivery Board, Export Promotion Council, and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
As an astute leader, Kikwai was very successful in putting together a very effective forum to address the business promotion of many of Kenya’s existing and promising industries.
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