Delegates of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry [KNCCI] drawn from the coast region have endorsed Dr Erick Ruto for the national vice president position.

The move is a major boost for him as the campaign for the national chamber election scheduled for June 8 enters its home stretch.    

The post has remained a two-horse race between Ruto and flamboyant businessman Gor Semelang’o a head of the June 8 annual general meeting in Nairobi.

KNCCI Tana River chapter chairman former Journalist Hassan Barisa led other delegates to rally behind Ruto’s candidature apart from

Delegates from  Mombasa County were the only ones missing at the meeting held at the Mombasa Club.

His rival Gor Semelang’o was also on a vote-hunting mission as he traversed the six coast counties .

Through acclamation Ruto was assured of the region’s votes in a well attended forum ahead of next month’s annual general meeting.

Speaking at the forum he refuted claims that he is not a bone fide member of the chamber maintaining he is a businessman and runs a hospital back in his Uasin Gishu County.

“I have served as secretary general of the hospital facility association during my tenure,” he pointed out.

The KNCCI candidate said he has connections with the government and he can enable the chambers to have access to government offices.

Ruto said he has a key that can help the chamber members access the national government for assistance.

 “I have been helping a lot of youths  from my county secure jobs in countries like China each year, some of the members in my county are also beneficiaries” he said.

Adding “I will continue using my connections and networks to help our members nationally”

He said he is on a mission with them to discuss the challenges facing the members and to chart the way forward.

“I want to join leadership of the chamber due to the experience I have gained during my tenure as a medical practitioner he pointed out.