Kenyan business express concern over political tension

Kenya's business community is expressing growing concern over the current political tension in the country, fearing that it could lead to an economic slowdown. Flora Mutahi, the Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, spoke to CNBC Africa about the challenges facing businesses in Kenya amidst the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections. Mutahi highlighted that the Kenyan economy has shown resilience in the past but is now experiencing a slowdown due to the prolonged 'wait and see' attitude among investors. The uncertainty around the upcoming elections on the 26th of October has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a decrease in growth in the manufacturing sector. A recent manufacturing survey revealed that many businesses are considering downsizing their workforce if the current situation persists. Mutahi emphasized the importance of resolving the political issues quickly to allow businesses to resume normal operations and contribute to the country's economic growth. She also called for the protection of businesses and the maintenance of peace and stability to assure foreign investors that Kenya remains open for business. Despite the challenges, Mutahi remains optimistic about the future of the Kenyan economy, highlighting the country's resilience and potential for growth. She urged businesses to stay hopeful and work towards finding long-term solutions to prevent similar crises in the future.