President William Ruto has commemorated Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Ngetich, a Class Three dropout turned billionaire from Kericho County.
The late Mzee Ngetich was reportedly a founding partner of West Valley Sugar Company.
“An incredible entrepreneur who exemplifies the bottom-up story. A Class 3 dropout he pulled himself up through sheer determination to set up the Kipchimchim Group of Companies, whose interest spans various industries and employ thousands of Kenyans.
“Before his untimely death recently, he was working on West Valley Sugar Company that began milling operations last week. Fare thee well Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Ngetich,” Ruto stated.
Mzee Ngetich the Inspiration
The head of state praised him for becoming a lasting inspiration to young Kenyans.
“He is an inspiration to many young Kenyans and many citizens of our country, that it is possible to rise up from humble beginnings and make a mark in the republic of Kenya.”
Mzee Ngetich passed away in August 2022 while undergoing treatment for a liver ailment at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi.
He had just returned to the country from India where received specialized treatment.
The billionaire was born in 1949 in Chepsetyon Village, Kericho County. Starting from the bottom, he was involved in digging of pit latrines and plucking tea.
From chicken broker to Kipsigis elder
On market days, he showed up as a chicken broker to earn a few extra coins. With time, he opened a hotel, bar and shop before delving into the transport business.
Ngetich rose to become a councillor then a member of County Assembly for Kapkugerwet ward in Ainamoi Constituency from 2013 to 2017.
During his tenure, he served as the Chairman of the Labour Committee.
He educated more than 5,000 needy students from primary to tertiary level using his own resources.
In spite of all these achievements, Mzee Ngetich remained a humble man who eventually became a respected Kipsigis elder.
