Just got an update this afternoon that AccessKenya today appointed Mr. Daniel Ndonye as the new Chairman of the Board. This follows the resignation of Mr. Michael Somen who has tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Board of the Group. Mr. Ndonye’s appointment takes effect immediately.

As Chairman, Michael had led the board of the company since its inception 10 years ago leading to its listing at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) 3 years ago. AccessKenya has witnessed rapid growth from what was basically a start up in 2000 to a company with revenues in excess of Kshs 2 billion in 2009.  Today, AccessKenya stands as a market leader in corporate internet services with an estimated market share of 42% whilst owning three infrastructure networks and has a national reach. Michael Somen will remain a member of the board at AccessKenya going forward.

Mr. Ndonye becomes Chairman having vast experience from his tenures at Deloitte East Africa for 20 years, ten of which he served as the Managing/Senior Partner until his retirement in May 2010. During this period he devoted almost all his time to serving clients especially in audit.

“Mr Ndonye joins AccessKenya at a time of continued rapid expansion for the Group and the Board believes he will bring his experience, knowledge and guidance to the Company in the next phase of growth as we strive to continue our rapid growth and customer acquisition in our three core focus areas of Corporate & SME Internet, Residential Internet and IT Services.  His accounting background will also give the Group significant expertise from a financial perspective.” said Jonathan Somen, Group Managing Director, AccessKenya.

The Board recently unanimously adopted a Board Charter which covers all matters regarding governance, sets out responsibilities and certain roles and responsibilities, as well as definitions and qualifications of certain issues relevant to the smooth operation of the Board.  Within the Charter, it was unanimously agreed by the Board that the Chairman shall be an independent non executive Director.   Michael no longer qualified as independent under the definition agreed by the Board due to his relationship with the Group Managing Director and therefore he immediately offered his resignation as Board Chairman.

Mr Ndonye is an alumnus of the Alliance High School and University of Nairobi, and he has a sterling academic track record and career.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He has held various positions including Deloitte Africa Board, Chairman of ICPAK, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS); Director, Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC); Chairman, Disclosure & Standards Committee of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA); over 20 years as  Chairman, Registration of Accountants Board, Chairman, Syllabuses and Implementation Sub-Committee of the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB) and, Member of the Examinations Committee of KASNEB; Chief Examiner (Final) Part III Certified Public Accountants (CPA).