President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of businessman Joseph Kibe who passed away on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
Known to many as ‘Joe’, Kibe was a career civil servant who served in many roles within Government, rising through the ranks to the position of Permanent Secretary before successfully transitioning into business in his retirement.
“It is unfortunate that death has robbed us of one of our country’s most distinguished and highly polished professionals whose selfless service and sacrifice helped to lay the foundation of the progress we’re enjoying today,” Kenyatta said.
The deceased was the Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group of Muranga, having taken over from the late Hon Charles Rubia.
He led a delegation of Murang’s business leaders that included Royal Media Services Chairman Dr. S.K. Macharia, Bishop Gideon Githiga, Maina Wanjigi, Amb. Solomon Karanja, Muthoni Likimani, Nicholas Ng’ang’a, and Professor Lucy Irungu.
Kibe also served as the Vice Chair and Treasurer of the BoD of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation.
He was also the Chair of the Kenya Horticulture Crops Development Authority that was transformed into the Horticultural Crops Directorate of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA).
The billionaire had a special interest in financial investment and corporate governance which resulted in his appointment as a director in over 10 private sector companies and non-profit foundations and trusts.
“He was full of wisdom, kind and humble. Kibe was one of the icons of Kenya’s Public Service, having serviced as PS in the early years after our independence.
“His dedication to service and patriotism has been unrivalled. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kibe and her family. He was the father of Capt. Gilbert Kibe, DG, KCAA,” Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia mourned.