Ensure safety of investments during polls

Kenya can learn from countries like South Africa and minimise the ratcheting of political rhetoric that can heighten the uncertainty linked to the electoral cycle. In that region, unease over the impending change of leadership, and a series of scandals linked to the country’s leadership has triggered economic shifts. To experts, it came as no surprise when it was announced that South Africa had slid into recession.
The announcement sends a message to African leaders that when political volatility thrives on account of adverse actions by the leadership, the economy is invariably adversely affected.
Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo will all have some form of elections this year and these polls could trigger uncertainty in large parts of the continent depending on how they are conducted.
Much of the disruptions of the South African economy may have been triggered by the way the country’s leadership handled corruption scandals on the back of reports that President Jacob Zuma and wealthy businessmen have been at the centre of influence-peddling claims. Political risks have also been heightened ahead of the ruling African National Congress conference in December when a successor to President Jacob Zuma as party leader will be announced.
The lesson for Kenya is that to ease economic shocks from political and social upheaval, disruptions associated with our own elections must be minimised. We must continue to assure entrepreneurs that their investments are safe.