Kenya is arguably the most vibrant and progressive economy in the East and Central African region and an emerging powerhouse in Africa. Advancements in human capital, technology and telecommunications sectors among others are only comparable to global leaders in the respective sectors.
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This week terrorism attack temporarily disrupted the lives millions of hard working Kenyans. It is another attempt for terrorists to dampen the spirit of hard working Kenyans by causing fear and terror.
Kenya is yet to heal from the Garrisa attack which claimed more than 150 students and workers of the Garrisa university college. Garrisa university collage was a constituent college of Moi University.
Moi university, like many other corporates with ideas to expand their businesses had seen an opportunity to exploit in the arid land. Following this attack many with similar intentions in the region were forced to shelve their ambitions. Compared to what happened in 14 Riverside park, international communities are likely to issue travel advisories to their citizens to caution them should they travel to Kenya.
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One of the key areas that is likely to suffer most is tourism. This is one of Kenya’s key economic sector a key foreign exchange earner. In 2017/2018 Kenya generated $1.2 billion from $ 989 million in 2016/2017 representing an incredible increase of 16%. This can be attributed to governments efforts to improve security across the country especially at the coast where most tourists visit.
Tourism by virtue of the revenue it generates, is the key financing component to our Big four agenda and economic stability. This is according to the money generated in the year ended 2017/2018.
Thousands of investors had checked in the country following president Kenyatta visit to a number of leading economies across the world with an interest of investing in the big four agenda. Terror threats is a set back because investors can decide to back off.
Kenya needs to restrategize it’s approach to terror especially to the borders of Somalia. The 14 Riverside Park attack comes immediatly after a woman aid worker of Italian Origin was kidnapped in Kilifi County.
Kenya as a country will be in a risk of losing Foreign Direct Investment if terrorist attacks persist. In reality, the big four agenda is built on a partnership framework with international partners.
Security must be guaranteed, the government has a role to play to ensure that investores both local and international have an enabling environment to carry the big four agenda to the next level.
Kenyans have a big role play, keeping an eye on what friends and neighbors do. This is the only way government can access information to terrorists living amongst us. Ensuring that terrorism is not brought in religion as a way of radicalization is another.
A worthy commendation goes to the valiant Kenyan security forces that moved with speed and great courage to neutralise the 14 Riverside Park terror attack.
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