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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has issued a heartfelt plea for calm and peace in the wake of recent protests that have led to tragic loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction of property. Dr. Erick K. Rutto, President of KNCCI, extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while calling for constructive dialogue to resolve the issues at hand.
KNCCI upholds the constitutional right to protest but expresses grave concerns over the violence that has marred recent demonstrations. The unrest has resulted in significant disruptions to business operations, including looting and property damage, which have, in turn, severely impacted the country’s supply chains, increased operational costs, and eroded consumer and investor confidence. The ripple effect on Kenya’s already fragile economy is palpable, with livelihoods across various sectors being jeopardized.
Dr. Rutto highlighted the alarming 17% decline in export activity since the onset of the protests, a trend observed by KNCCI, which is responsible for issuing certificates of origin for Kenyan products. Additionally, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has suffered a loss of KES 63 billion in investor wealth over the past two weeks, underscoring the damaging impact of the protests on investor sentiment.
“The government has an obligation to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans, as enshrined in the Bill of Human Rights and Article 40 of the constitution,” Dr. Rutto stated. While acknowledging the right to protest, he condemned the violence, looting, and destruction of property, urging immediate action to ensure public safety and security.
The KNCCI president emphasized the urgency of government intervention to address protestors’ concerns and restore economic stability. He noted the current peak tourism season, which was the fastest-growing sector in 2023 with a 33.6% increase, is now under threat due to the unrest. This sector is vital for millions of livelihoods, and its disruption could have long-lasting negative effects.
In response to these challenges, KNCCI is calling for calm and advocating for open, constructive dialogue among all citizens. “It is imperative that we address the concerns raised and work towards solutions that benefit all Kenyans. Our collective priority should be preserving the integrity of the cause and protecting the well-being of our country, its people, and its businesses,” Dr. Rutto urged.
KNCCI remains committed to supporting collaborative efforts to develop an economic recovery strategy. The organization is leveraging various platforms, such as the Youth in Business initiative across its 47 County Chapters, to share private sector concerns and promote recovery. Dr. Rutto reaffirmed KNCCI’s dedication to engaging in dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing issues swiftly and amicably, emphasizing that cooperation and mutual understanding are key to fostering a peaceful and prosperous environment for all Kenyans.
The KNCCI’s call to action underscores the importance of unity and dialogue in navigating these turbulent times and highlights the critical role of a stable business environment in ensuring the country’s economic resilience and growth.
