Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula with Chairman Mkenya Daima steering committee, Dr Vimal Shah at the senate speaker’s round-table Mombasa. The theme of the forum was securing Kenya’s competitiveness trough an enabling legislative framework.
Wanjala Danson
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Senate have signed a resolution to ensure peaceful elections during the 2017 general elections.
The resolution was signed during the closure of the third Speakers Roundtable between the Senate and KEPSA in Mombasa.
However, during the two warned that the if upcoming elections is not managed properly, it has have the potential of destabilizing business including discouraging investment and destruction of property as evidenced in the 2007/8 Post- Election Violence.
KEPSA and the Senate noted that the conducting a peaceful and democratic elections is critical in fostering a conducive business environment in the country and welcomed the ongoing push for electoral reforms.
Speaking at the forum, Speaker of the Senate Ekwe Ethuro reiterated Senates commitment in ensuring forthcoming elections are peaceful urging that political leaders to maintain good conduct in the period for better 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,” stated Ethuro.
KEPSA Chairman Ambassador Denis Awori said a peaceful and fair election is imperative for the country is to achieve 10% 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.
Ambassador Awori noted that the engagement between the Private Sector and Parliament had 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, “said Ambassador Awori.
Also KEPSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carole Kariuki called on Senators to play a key role in 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.
Mkenya Daima Chair Vimal Shah noted that the country is already experiencing a slowdown in economic activity due to the forthcoming elections stating that it should be stopped.
The Roundtable featured presentations and panel discussions from Senate and the Private Sector including improving and enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness and election preparedness.
These aim at creating an effective business environment to make Kenya a competitive destination for investment.
The Roundtable underscored the important roles the Senate and Private Sector in promoting economic growth and supporting the transformation of Counties as frontiers of economic development and progress.