Business activity in Nairobi remains mild

NAIROBI, KENYA: Economic activities in Nairobi, especially in the central business district, have reduced, with most outlets remaining closed.

As the election period laboriously stumbles into Saturday, the economic stalemate seemed well entrenched in the city even with big retail chains shutting their doors. A walk along the area around River Road which is usually alive with blaring matatus and street hawkers, unfazed by the presence of the usually ubiquitous council askaris, were notably absent.

The usual bustle of the city was not being felt by the usual traveler along the labyrinth streets, as clothing stalls, mobile phone shops, eateries, banks and a litany of other businesses that sprawl the city went about their business mildly - seemingly concerned with the ongoing repeat presidential vote.

However, Kenya Private Sector Association (Kepsa) Chief Executive Officer Carole Kariuki has expressed optimism, saying the sluggish economic activities could be as a result of the long weekend associated with the elections.

“Members have indicated they will be granting most of their employees leave till Monday. I don’t think the lack of business activity is as a result of the poll tension. It is all occasioned by the long weekend that businesses have granted themselves,” she added.