On Friday, President William Ruto remembered Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Kipterer Ngetich, who passed away.
Speaking at the Mashujaa celebrations in Kericho, Ruto noted that Kipterer's tale served as an example of bottom-up success for many Kenyans.
"Let me also celebrate Mzee Kipsoi, an incredible intrapreneur who exemplifies the bottom-up story, a class three dropout," Ruto said.
The President claimed that before his untimely death, the entrepreneur pushed himself up through pure willpower to establish the team and network of businesses whose interests cover several industries and employ thousands of Kenyans.
The West Valley Sugar Company, where Kiptarer worked before his passing, began milling operations last week, according to Ruto.
"Fairly well Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Ngetich Chepsetyon. You are a great inspiration. To many young Kenyans and many citizens of our country it is possible to rise up from humble beginnings and make a mark in the Republic of Kenya," he said.
Kipsoi, who was born in 1949 and died in August 2022, was a well-known businessman, politician, and pillar of the community.
Prior to starting his empire-building tea business in Kericho, he made his first cash digging pit latrines and weeding maize and tea fields there.
Kipsoi eventually entered politics and served as the first county Assembly (MCA) member for Belgut's Kapkugerwet ward. Kericho county.
He was remembered as a successful businessman who worked hard to build his empire.
Later, Kipsoi economic interests increased and became quite large, including the Mbogo Valley Tea Factory, the Sangalo Tea Factory, the Bureti Tea Factory, SABS Mining, the West Valley Sugar Factory, the Kipchimat Enterprises, and the Kipchimchim Wholesalers.
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