Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chairperson Irungu Nyakera has dismissed claims that his recent removal from the position was a significant loss, highlighting the modest compensation and limited powers associated with the role.
Responding to critics on his X account on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Nyakera emphasized that serving as KICC board chairperson was more about service than personal gain. He claimed that the position only came with a monthly honorarium of Ksh54,000, an airtime allowance of Ksh7,000, and a sitting allowance of Ksh14,000 per meeting, capped at 10 meetings per year. According to the former KICC boss, the role lacked pension benefits, executive powers, and perks.
He noted that many board chairpersons are motivated by a desire to serve rather than financial rewards. Nyakera dismissed his critics, remarking that they could continue making unsubstantiated claims while he pursued his priorities.
“For the bloggers excited that I have “lost” something by being fired from the KICC board, allow me to educate you. Under SCAC guidelines, a board chair earns net of 54k honorarium per month plus 7k airtime. The sitting allowance is 14k per meeting, capped at 10 meetings a year.
No pension, no perks, no executive powers. Most chairmen are there to serve – not to survive. So blog away, and make your 527 a day,” Nyakera stated.
Sacked
Nyakera, who was appointed as KICC board chairperson in August 2024, was replaced by Samuel Waweru Mwangi through a Gazette notice dated April 1, 2025.
President William Ruto appointed Mwangi to the position for a three-year term, effective immediately, under Section 43 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act and Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.
Nyakera’s dismissal followed his absence during President Ruto’s tour of the Mt Kenya region. He had earlier stated that he would not attend the President’s visit due to his ongoing studies at Oxford University. He clarified that his decision was not an act of disrespect but rather a matter of prioritizing his education.
Despite his dismissal, Nyakera urged the people of Mt Kenya to focus on unity and development during the President’s visit. He warned against allowing political differences to hinder progress, drawing lessons from historical instances where discord led to stagnation.
He cited the example of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s visit to Kisumu with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, which was marred by hostility and resulted in decades of stalled development. Additionally, he referenced President Uhuru Kenyatta’s final term, during which political wrangles within the Mt Kenya region reportedly led to missed opportunities for growth.
“History has taught us harsh lessons. When Mzee Jomo Kenyatta visited Kisumu with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and was received with hostility, development in that region came to a halt for decades. Similarly, in President Uhuru’s final term, Mt Kenya suffered because we allowed politics to override cooperation and watched development bypass us. Let us not repeat the same mistakes,” Nyakera cautioned.
He urged leaders and residents to embrace constructive engagement with President Ruto to ensure the region’s development needs are met. Nyakera reiterated that cooperation, rather than political rivalry, should be prioritized to secure a better future for the region.