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Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Senate have signed a resolution to ensure peaceful elections during the forthcoming elections.
The pact was signed in Mombasa at the closure of the third Speakers’ Roundtable between the Senate and the private sector lobby group.
The two factions expressed fears that the upcoming elections if not managed well, would destabilize business and discourage investment in the country , leading to possible capital flight and destruction of property as evidenced in the 2007/8 Post- Election Violence.
The Roundtable welcomed the ongoing push for electoral reforms to provide a basis for the conduct of peaceful elections.
KEPSA Chairman Amb. Denis Awori said that a peaceful and fair election is imperative if the country is to achieve the elusive 10 per cent GDP target growth per year.
“In order to achieve that 10 per cent growth we need to channel investments to the crucial sectors of agriculture and manufacturing among others that do require stability to thrive”, said Awori.
He noted that the engagement between the Private Sector and Parliament since 2009 had enhanced understanding on the unique needs of each side and reduced the potential disconnect between policy formulation and law making on account of the opportunity to provide input on various legislative proposals.
“The Speaker’s Round Table has created a platform for structured dialogue on specific legislative proposals to guide informed debate by acting as a forum that enhances coordination between the legislature and the Private Sector,” he said.
KEPSA Chief executive Carole Kariuki urged Senate to play a key role of ensuring stability during the elections cycle.
“Economic progress of the country should not be stopped by elections and therefore the cycle of election violence must be stopped,” said Kariuki.
Speaker of the Senate Ekwe Ethuro reiterated Senates commitment in ensuring forthcoming elections are peaceful while urging that political elite maintain good conduct within the election period for the sake of economic stability and a conducive business environment.
“To experience a conducive environment we must have peaceful elections with progressive policies and inspire public confidence and we must take bold legal initiatives to make Kenya a competitive investment destination,” noted Mr Ethuro.
The Cahirman of Mkenya Daima Vimal Shah also said that the country was already experiencing a slowdown in economic activity in the wake of electioneering mood.