Political temperature likely to slow economy

Since the start of the year, there has been heightened political activity across all the coalitions.

Politicians have been out in the name of conducting development activities but in real sense, campaigns for the 2017 elections have started in earnest.

However, lately, the political temperatures have risen significantly to toxic levels. What this means is that the economy will slow down.

According to Nielsen report released recently, Kenya was ranked the second top investment destination in Africa (after Cote d'Ivoire).

This is a vote of confidence for the country given the various regulatory reforms that the Government has been undertaking. The work done by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Trade together with other Government agencies like Brand Kenya Board and Kenya Investment Authority is bearing fruit.

In Kenya, the SME sector employs about 60 per cent of the total employed population. This is the sector that gets a great beating whenever there is political turmoil or upheaval.

This is mainly because, the sector is not able to open for business during such times. Therefore, heightened political activities in the country will erode all the gains made so far. As we move closer to 2017, the heat will increase more. Investors will shy away from choosing Destination Kenya, and our ranking will continue to slide downwards. Politicians should campaign peacefully.