Patrick Obath elected International Chamber of Commerce’s Vice Chair

 KENYA- The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has elected Engineer Patrick Obath as Vice Chair of its Executive Board and Chairman of ICC Kenya. 

Eng. Obath was elected on June 11, 2024, during the ICC’s annual general meeting in Paris, France. The move is seen as an important milestone for both Kenya and Africa. 

Patrick brings over 35 years of experience in the East African and Kenyan business environment, 12 of which have been in corporate governance. He has worked in the oil and gas and mining industries, with extensive experience in sustainability, corporate governance and advisory services.

He also currently holds various board positions with Wananchi Limited, UNGA Limited and other companies in the FMCG sector. Eng. Obath has also served on the boards of east African Business Council, KPLC, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and national Oil Corporation Kenya.  

Through an official statement, ICC hailed his impressive leadership portfolio. His leadership roles at Java House Africa, PZ Cussons EA Limited, Trade Catalyst Africa, Kenya Markets Trust, and African Alliance Investment Bank reiterate his commitment to economic growth and development in Africa.  

His appointment was hailed by the Kenya Private sector Alliance (KEPSA) who praised the current Chairman of the KEPSA foundation for his contribution to corporate governance and sustainability. 

KEPSA said in a statement, “His appointment underscores the growing influence and leadership of Kenya and Africa in the global business arena.” 

Eng Obath will take up a leadership role in ICC, aiding the organization to deliver its mandate of providing trade, customs, and facilitation advice to governments worldwide both directly and through collaboration with other international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).  

He will play a pivotal role in affecting the ICC’s relationship with its vast network of 45 million companies actively present in more than 130 countries worldwide. 

The move is seen as particularly important for Africa’s trade agenda. KEPSA and other players in the African trade sector have expressed optimism that Obath will leverage the ICC’s network and its influence on policy decisions that would enhance trade in the continent. 

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