Coca-cola bottling plant in Kenya. Many local companies are reported to have scaled down production as political temperatures in the country hit the boiling point. [Photo: businessdailyafrica.com]A majority of companies have scaled down production, while investors are holding onto their finances awaiting the outcome of the August 8 elections.The banks, which are normally hard hit with uncertainty, had also limited the number of loans lent to individuals until after the elections, with reports saying they were lending out a maximum of Sh5 million.According to the Nation, however, some businessmen have played down fears within the business community.“So far, so good. I don’t know of any business that has suffered as a result of the election fever. People just want to create unnecessary fear that the country may be rocked by violence during the elections," said businessman Vimal Shah as quoted by the Nation on Wednesday.He said added that there was no point of even giving public holidays on August 9, 10th and 11th saying that people should be given time off to vote on August 8 and immediately go back to work.He, however, expressed fears that the tourism sector may experience a drop in arrivals.“Yes, we may see tourists keeping away around the election date because of the fears. However, there should be no cause for alarm as the main players have committed themselves to maintaining peace during the election.This comes in as foreign governments continue to step up travel advisories to their citizens in the country and those intending to visit, warning that 'in the past, some political protests and rallies have turned violent'.

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