Kenya tourism could ‘collapse overnight’
Political unrest following disputed elections in Kenya could lead to the country’s tourism industry collapsing overnight, officials have warned.
The Kenya Tourism Federation said that many thousands of tourists in Kenya are continuing with their safaris and beach holidays without a problem.
But the umbrella body for all the mainstream associations representing the country’s tourism industry, voiced “grave concern” over the developments arising from the General Elections.
“The violent confrontations that have been witnessed between groups of demonstrators and the police, as well as the reports of conflicts between supporters of the various political parties are causing hardship and suffering for all the Kenyans caught up in the violence as well as tremendous harm to the country’s international image, and to the economy,” the KTF said.
“Tourism has established itself as one of the most important industries in Kenya contributing enormously to the economy and providing livelihoods and employment to hundreds of thousands of Kenyans.
“So we are very concerned that having recently recovered from an eight-year slump occasioned by precisely this kind of activity, we are once again faced with the ugly prospect of politically connected clashes.
“While we fully respect the right of all Kenyans to express their sentiments and grievances, such expression should however be done in a responsible and peaceful manner that in itself also respects the sanctity of human life and private property.
“Kenyans came out in their millions to vote in an orderly and peaceful manner which was hailed as setting a wonderful example of democracy in action.
“However the riots and violence which followed the disputed results and the claims of irregularities and mismanagement are a terrible set-back for this country.
“The scenes we are witnessing of rioting mobs and unchecked looting of business premises have no place in a civilised society where the proper rule of law should prevail. We appeal to our fellow citizens to shun violence, hooliganism and thuggery.”
The KTF added: “The tourism industry is calling upon the country’s political leadership on all sides to put their words into action, to obey the law and to help to bring peace and calm back to the country. “Tourism, despite being Kenya’s highest employer directly and indirectly and the number one foreign exchange earner, is also very sensitive to insecurity and civil unrest and can collapse overnight, bringing economic problems to Kenya and its people.
“As demonstrated in the past, it could take years to undo damage caused in a very small space of time.
“Elections come and go every five years but Kenya will remain beyond all of us and we therefore urge the political establishment to respect the rule of law by addressing the election disputes in a manner that does not reverse the important gains made to the economy.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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