Police at scene of a grenade attack in Mishomoroni, Mombasa where three people died on Sunday night
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 25 – The Kenya Investment Authority has called on the media to be cautious with its reportage of the security situation in the country, arguing negative publicity would have a bad effect on investors.
The Authority’s Managing Director Julius Korir says there is need for the media to have balanced reporting adding that it has always put much emphasis on negative news which continue to ‘mess’ the country’s image.
“Let’s shed the right picture on how our country is in terms of security. The press I know you are in the business of telling news, and unfortunately for your kind of business bad news work well. Please think of the bigger good or bad that your comment does to the country,” pleaded Korir.
Korir said there is need for the government to partner with the private sector and come up with new projects that will attract Foreign Direct Investment.
He reiterated the need for removal of non tariff barriers, saying they continue to push many local and international investors away.
“One of our focuses now is to look at these non tariff barriers, especially road blocks and so many others. Then we can engage with the necessary agencies of government which can deal with that,” said Korir.
The Authority boss was speaking during the launch of an investor guide in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
The Guide dubbed ’An investment Guide to Kenya, opportunities and Conditions 2012’ is aimed at selling Kenya as an investment hub to local and international investors.
The Guide has a clear procedure on how to start a business in Kenya, various contacts of government ministries and private companies, business regulations and the various investor perceptions.
“Kenya is the engine of the region and all investors need to know of this unique opportunity. Kenya has incredible resources. It has Human capacity and it is a hub in all respects; political, economic and all dimension,” said UNDP Kenya representative, Aeneas Chuma.
