Lobby group calls for peace during August polls

The Royal African Society in collaboration with GBS Africa will be holding a pre-election briefing on Wednesday, August 2, to speak of Kenya’s democratic process and to craft on a way forward for Kenyans to avoid a post-election crisis in the August 8 General Election.

According to Royal African Society, Britain’s prime Africa organization that prioritizes in promoting Africa in business, politics, culture and academia, the August poll is a crucial time for Kenya to fully assert its economic prowess in the region as well as the best business hub in Africa hoping for a peaceful election.

Royal African Society is wary that despite the fact that Kenya held a peaceful election in 2013, factors that led to violence in 2007/2008 post-election crisis have never been fully dealt with and therefore the need to convene a forum for Kenyans to talk out from the vice once and for all.

“With the decline of Nigeria’s economy and crisis in South Africa, leaders outside the continent seem to be inclined to strengthening relationships with Kenya (note the recent participation of President Kenyatta at the G7 summit and representing Africa at the Silk Road Forum). How will these relations play out post-election?” read a statement from Royal African Society.

The pre-election forum will be assessing whether or not the country can move forward without confronting this past? And with the devolution of powers in political and legislative units, does this election represent a shift in the relationship between local and national power?

According to GBS Africa, a boutique advisory group , Kenya’s election is extremely important to the international investment community.

“UK’s investment to Kenya alone is around £2 billion annually, therefore, these investors will be keenly praying for a flawless process, one that won’t disrupt business,” says Agnes Gitau, Managing Partner GBS Africa.

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