Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala. He said the protracted political uncertainty has dealt the economy a serious blow. [Photo: Daily Nation]
The economy has been thrown into a state of uncertainty due to the political impasse in the country. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala says the situation could deepen further following the withdrawal of NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga from the race and the anti-IEBC mass protests by the Opposition supporters."Charter planes to the Coast are now running almost empty. Wildlife sanctuaries in Laikipia are recording zero guest arrivals. The situation in the tourism sector is really bad because of the tensions. The impact will definitely be felt as the year comes to a close," Balala said.Echoing the same sentiments, Planning PS Irungu Nyakera said if the standoff, if not solved, will reverse the projected economic growth for this year."Travel advisories, due to the perception of insecurity during the election period, negatively impact key sectors such as tourism, not forgetting that the stock market index is also adversely affected by negative market sentiments," Nyakera said.The PS added: "There is a need to ensure stability, secure investor confidence, and root for adequate supply of food."