NAIROBI, Kenya March 23 – The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has urged all political leaders to stop including businesses in any disputes, noting that the recent Azimio Party boycott undermines economic stability and affronts national economic aspirations.
The alliance, Thursday, said Kenya is well positioned to benefit from global economic recovery, and the threats and interruption of law and order are a risk to sustained economic development.
“KEPSA as the apex body of the private sector bringing together 161 businesses and many companies including those targeted for recent boycotts, wishes to politely implore the political leaders to not include businesses in any disputes,” a statement by KEPSA read.
“We urge all parties to avoid any actions that may undermine the peace and stability of our country.”
KEPSA recognized that peaceful assemblies and protests are important for airing grievances, however, they should not breed any loss.
“We recognize that picketing is an important tool for people to voice their concerns and grievances, and we believe in the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and peaceful protests,” the Alliance said.
“Demonstrations where property and lives are lost, such as what we witnessed on Monday March 20, 2023, do not have any winner and we all stand to lose. Such actions undermine the future of the country, cause economic damage and cause apprehension and fear.”
Further, the Alliance expressed their dissatisfaction with Raila’s boycotts saying, “KEPSA members are particularly distressed by the unjustified attack on economic drivers such as media, telecommunication and banking institutions that have been cited for consumer boycotts.”
“Private sector players such as KCB Bank, Safaricom and the Star, directly and indirectly, employ thousands of politically neutral Kenyans from all walks of life, who must remain shielded from political distress.”
KEPSA urged all businesses to focus on growing the economy and improving livelihoods for all Kenyans through creation of jobs and revenues.
