As the election date draws nearer, a section of manufactures and traders in Kiambu County have called on the government to ensure a violence-free environment to enable their business grow post Covid-19.
Addressing journalists at Thika Stadium Thursday during a Trade Expo, the business people said their businesses are on course to recovery from Covid-19 economic disruptions and warned that any further instability would cripple them.
They said any disruptions especially in the neighbouring Nairobi City during the electioneering period crashed their businesses and called for enhanced security to curb a repeat of such occurrences.
The traders said their businesses have suffered in the three years of Covid -19 and added subjecting them to more disruptions would be detrimental to them and their families.
“It has been a difficult period for our businesses for the three years since Covid-19 struck. Now, they are slowly coming back but we fear the election period may affect them. We hope the government provides a violence-free environment for trade,” said Timothy Kiarie, the Expo organiser.
They urged politicians to desist from incitements during the period, and the government to crack the whip on rogue politicians.
The business people at the same time called on the youth to desist from being used by politicians to cause mayhem during the period.
Thika West DCC Mbogo Mathioya assured them that the government would ensure there is a secure environment for businesses.
He said the area security committee is on high alert of any criminal activity during the electioneering period.
Mbogo has cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause chaos saying everyone is criminally liable.
The Expo brought together business people, government agencies and manufacturers to showcase the business, products and innovations with this year’s theme dubbed ‘promotion of ease of doing business for small and medium enterprises’.
By Muoki Charles
