President Uhuru Kenyatta has said no one should be allowed to disrupt business activities that support Kenya’s development and growth.
Speaking on Wednesday when he hosted the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Presidential Round table at State House, Nairobi, the president said the Kenya’s economy has always taken a beating every election year because of disruptive activities.
He said the trend is unacceptable and those who front a political culture that embodies violence and disruption must be rejected by all Kenyans.
“Kenyans must now stand up and say enough is enough of this negative politics. No one should be allowed to disrupt business activities that support our development agenda,” said President Kenyatta.
The president, who was in the company of Deputy President William Ruto and other senior government officials, commended the private sector for spearheading constructive engagements.
“I invite you to consult my government on any area you may experience difficulties in the campaign and we shall be ready to provide the support required,” said the president.
President Kenyatta also urged the private sector to hold a meeting with the opposition to make them understand that they (the opposition) have a stake in the future of the country.
“You should engage the opposition for them to incorporate your views in what they do,” he told members of the private sector.
Kenyatta said he has always been ready to engage with the opposition on issues where the constitution vests power in him.
He however said that the law does not allow him to interfere with the running of IEBC, but clarified that MPs are willing to engage their counterparts on the issues of the polls body within confines of the constitution.
“I have spoken to MPs in government and the opposition and they are ready to engage on issues of IEBC. I have prepared my own views and recommendations which I want to present. Let us follow the laid down procedures,” said the president.
President Kenyatta spoke on IEBC at the close of the meeting with Kepsa during which the Executive and the private sector deliberated on improving the ease of doing business through support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He said the private sector should be at the forefront in promoting the ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’ campaign.
“Kenya is on its way to becoming a major world economy if the current economic trajectory is not disrupted,” said Kenyatta.
Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Adan Mohamed said the tradition set by President Kenyatta of holding regular meetings with the private sector has become a trend copied by other countries.
The Kepsa chairman, Amb Jeremy Awori, said the government has shown steadfast commitment to support the private sector and that was one of the reasons Kenya continues to attract higher Foreign Direct Investments.
By PSCU.