As Kenya prepares for elections, trade remains a key driver of economic growth, creating opportunities for enterprise growth, employment, market expansion, industrial development and regional integration. A peaceful electoral process and a stable business environment help businesses plan, invest, access markets and continue creating jobs. Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Trade at the National Business and Elections Continuity Forum today,Deputy Director of Trade Symon Chelelgo underscored the need to safeguard business continuity and minimise disruptions to economic activity during the electoral period. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, predictable and competitive business environment that supports investment, trade and enterprise development even as the country prepares for the next General Election. The forum, convened by @KAS_Kenya and @kenya_chamber brought together government,electoral institutions,political stakeholders and businesses to identify risks, strengthen coordination and promote peaceful elections and business continuity.@IEBCKenya

Democracy must deliver beyond the ballot. As Kenya looks towards 2027, public trust, accountable institutions and a thriving business environment must go hand in hand. Protecting jobs, livelihoods and supply chains is part of building a resilient democracy.🇰🇪 @IEBCKenya

Electoral preparedness must be proactive, not reactive. Government, state institutions, civil society & the private sector must work together to safeguard democracy, businesses and livelihoods before, during & after #Kenya2027. - Mathias Kamp, KAS Kenya #Advocacy4Business

While we work on the integrity of our elections we must also work on our communication to ensure our citizens are well informed and fight misinformation - Mathias Kamp, Country Director @KAS_Kenya #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

Economy is simply everyone doing business and elections should never affect the economy - Mathias Kamp, Country Director @KAS_Kenya #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

ONGOING NATIONAL BUSINESS AND ELECTIONS CONTINUITY ADVOCACY FORUM, NAIROBI #NationalBusinessandElectionsForum #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @MITIKenya

Businesses should also strengthen their preparedness through risk management and continuity planning. We encourage enterprises to assess operational risks, review supply chains and make plans to maintain critical functions - Symon Chelelgo, HSC, Deputy Director at the State Department for Trade, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @MITIKenya

During the electoral period, continuity is essential: trade corridors must remain open, supply chains resilient and businesses able to meet their commercial obligations - Symon Chelelgo, HSC, Deputy Director at the State Department for Trade, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @MITIKenya

Our message to domestic and international investors is clear: Kenya remains open for business. Our economic opportunities and development priorities extend beyond electoral cycles. We encourage investors to maintain confidence in Kenya’s potential and continue exploring opportunities to invest, expand and partner - Symon Chelelgo, HSC, Deputy Director at the State Department for Trade, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @MITIKenya

During electoral periods, clear communication is especially important. Businesses and investors need assurance that essential government services will remain available, contractual obligations will be respected and regulatory processes will continue to function - Symon Chelelgo, HSC, Deputy Director at the State Department for Trade, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @MITIKenya

The emergence of goons has alarmed the IEBC. We will not allow goons to overrun our polling stations - Dr Anne Nderitu, CBS Commissioner - IEBC #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

The private sector remains an important stakeholder in the electioneering period and IEBC will continue consulting with the business community to ensure our economy continues to thrive - Dr Anne Nderitu, CBS Commissioner - IEBC #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

People must take responsibility of their actions whether as citizens or as politicians - Dr Anne Nderitu, CBS Commissioner - IEBC #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

The Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change has reinforced my conviction that climate action and democracy are closely interconnected. Building climate-resilient communities requires accountable leadership, inclusive decision-making~ Kiprotich Peter ,Chairman AKN

Election preparedness must protect democratic participation while safeguarding economic activity, employment and essential services.- Lucy Muchoki, National Director - KNCCI #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

Research on the 2007/08 post-election crisis found that Kenya’s flower exports declined by 24% overall, rising to 38% among firms in areas affected by violence. In the affected export firms, worker absence exceeded 50%. Tourism also suffered: international arrivals fell by 33.9% in 2008, while dollar earnings declined by 19.9% - Lucy Muchoki, National Director - KNCCI #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

Our task today is to identify practical measures that protect these livelihoods while supporting the peaceful exercise of democratic rights. This forum has three key objectives. First, to validate the policy brief on business continuity and elections Second, to consider and adopt the National Business and Elections Continuity Advocacy Agenda. Third, to agree on practical trade facilitation measures - KK Mutai, CEO - KNCCI #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn

By the close of our deliberations, we aim to have a validated policy brief, an adopted advocacy agenda with clear responsibilities and timelines and an agreed package of trade facilitation measures. We also seek agreement on a standing public–private coordination mechanism to support preparedness, respond to emerging concerns and sustain engagement throughout the electoral cycle, including the period up to the swearing-in of the incoming government - KK Mutai, CEO - KNCCI #Advocacy #Elections @IEBCKenya @KAS_Kenya @DrErickRutto @mustafaramadhn