KNCCI Calls for Swift Resolution of Political Stalemate

To protect business, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has urged for a swift end to the nation’s political impasse.

The failure of negotiations between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio factions and the resumption of protests this week, according to KNCCI President Richard Ngatia, are likely to have an impact on businesses countrywide.

Ngatia urged all political leaders in the country to focus on resolving their differences to establish an atmosphere that is favorable for business to prosper, claiming that the business sector was still feeling the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“It has been very difficult for us. We had covid-19 and as businesses were struggling to bounce back we experienced drought and the war in Ukraine and the general elections which disrupted business,” he said.

The head of KNCCI claimed that because of the disruptions, the nation ran the risk of losing out on direct foreign investment in addition to damaging business.

“Our members have also suffered immensely because of these disruptions. Our prayer is that there should be no more demonstrations for us to have a conducive environment for the economy to bounce back,” he said.

Ngatia, who will be running for re-election in the upcoming KNCCI elections, urged the two political parties to look into possibilities for mediating a settlement to allow the economy to recover.

Ngatia said he was confident in keeping his seat because of his track record at a meeting with KNCCI leaders from the lake region economic bloc (LREB) at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

“I have made a decision to defend my seat. I am happy that the KNCCI leadership from the 14 counties that make up this bloc have made a declaration to support and vote for me,” he said.

In order to increase the capacity of chamber officials at the national and county levels, Ngatia, who is competing against businessman Shariff Abdullwali for reelection, stated that this will be his main priority.

In an effort to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have access to capital to expand the industry, he continued, the chamber will also strengthen their capacity.