Manufacturers call for secure and predictable business environment after violent protests
Business owners in Nyeri and Nairobi, among other urban areas, are counting losses after their shops were looted during the protests, with some in Nairobi being burnt down
Manufacturers have expressed their concerns over the violence witnessed yesterday as Gen Zs held demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the killings that happened during protests against the Finance Bill in June 25 last year.
In a press statement, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) said it is unfortunate that people lost their lives, with vandalism and disruption of business too.
“While some parts of the country witnessed peaceful picketing, it is regrettable that several counties experienced violence resulting in loss of life, looting, vandalism, and widespread disruption of businesses and property,” KAM Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando stated.
He reiterated that demonstrations must be conducted peacefully, with utmost respect for life and property, as he called on the government to investigate all reported incidents of violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” he said.
According to manufacturers, building Kenya into prosperity through sustainable industrialisation can only be achieved through job creation, investments, and revenue generation, among other ways, adding that it can only happen within a secure and predictable business environment that guarantees the safety of people, property, and investments.
Their statement comes even as business owners in Nyeri and Nairobi, among other urban areas, are counting losses after their shops were looted during the protests, with some in Nairobi being burnt down.
Various shops along Mfangano Street, Tom Mboya Street, and Moi Avenue were targeted, with goods, including mobile phones, stolen.
Banks were also not spared; the Co-operative Bank issued a statement confirming that two of its branches in Nairobi were affected during the protests.
In a statement, the bank noted that branches located in Githurai and Dagoretti Market were attacked during the demos.
“Co-op Bank notes that two of our branches in Githurai and Dagoretti market were affected during the demonstrations yesterday,” read the statement from the bank.
The bank, however, reassured the public that there were no injuries reported among staff or customers, and that only a minimal cash loss occurred from one of the affected ATM machines.
