President Uhuru Kenyatta has led the country in condoling with the family of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore (pictured) who died yesterday.
The President said the country had lost a corporate leader whose contribution to the national wellbeing would be greatly missed.
“Besides his role at Safaricom, Mr Collymore served on our Vision 2030 Board where he offered his managerial expertise in pursuit of our national development agenda,” the President said.
Deputy President William Ruto referred to Collymore as a distinguished corporate titan whose shrewd stay at the helm of Safaricom was commendable as he steered the company to new heights and contributed immensely to the evolution of Kenya's corporate scene.
“Collymore was exemplary, brilliant and courageous, especially in the manner he battled cancer. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. Rest in Peace,” the DP said.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga said Collymore served the country with dedication and sustained it as a communication hub in Africa.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi described Collymore as an excellent front runner who had profound impact on people’s lives.
He said Collymore continued to be simple and focused even as the company remained the most profitable, breaking new grounds in innovation that changed the lives of its clients.
“Collymore, a corporate leader par excellence, had profound impact on the lives of Kenyans by the revolutionary and innovations in the telecommunications sector as he steered Safaricom,” said Moi.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka said Collymore’s leadership, passion, dedication and energy were the source of brilliant innovations at the telco he headed.
State award
He said his contribution to Kenya’s corporate landscape was recognised, and rightfully so, when he was conferred the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) honours by former President Mwai Kibaki in 2012.
“He shall be remembered as a luminary who beat great odds. Despite turning down admission at Warwick University due to lack of funding, he rose to the helm of the most profitable company in East Africa,” Mr Lusaka said.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula said Collymore exemplified greatness and humility of a successful entrepreneur.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma said Collymore was a model that inspired many people, young and old, in Kenya and beyond.
She said Collymore's contribution would forever remain firmly imprinted in Kenya’s development story.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i noted that Collymore’s visionary stewardship at Safaricom had positively impacted on the company and nation.
Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi said Collymore would not only be remembered for his corporate excellence while at the helm of Safaricom, but also for his commitment to charity.
Kibra MP Ken Okoth said Collymore bravely and graciously fought the good fight and inspired many as a leader and a fan of innovation across many sectors.
“He steered Safaricom from a mobile company to an accelerator for African solutions for African problems,” said Mr Okoth.
Businessman Chris Kirubi said the country had lost a distinguished leader who greatly contributed to national development.
Okoth and Mr Kirubi have also fought cancer, getting treatment outside Kenya.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko described Collymore as a man who performed his duties selflessly despite his illness.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said Collymore’s leadership at the most successful company in Kenya would be greatly missed.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join