Tourism is on its knees, spare us this violence

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) and its entire membership protests in the strongest terms possible the shocking and senseless loss of lives and property following the terrorist attacks in Mpeketoni, Lamu County. Indeed, the killings have left a trail of death, destruction, hopelessness and despair among Kenyans of goodwill.

And this is coming in the wake of heightened political activity pitting the ruling Jubilee coalition and The Opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) that is threatening to polarise the country!

The closure of the UK consulate in Mombasa, the travel advisories and the resultant damage the attacks have visited on the tourism industry was like rubbing salt on a wound.

The tourism industry has suffered great damage. Apportioning blame has been fast and furious, with both sides of the divide wagging fingers at each other. The perpetrators of the violence must be relishing in the circus. Emerging reports about the murderous rampage that led to the death of at least 56 people must force us to stop and ponder about how to protect our country.

Global challenge

While external aggression manifesting itself in terror attacks is a global challenge, we have a responsibility to demonstrate to the world community that Kenya need not be isolated because of this challenge.

Even the most powerful nations with sophisticated security operations are aware of the morphing of terrorist cells and the reality of being hit when least expecting it.

That said, a divided nation cannot fight an external enemy.

As it is now, reports that a confrontation between followers of the two coalitions is looming amidst calls for mass action are sending shivers down the spines of the working populations and the business community that almost always bears the brunt of interruption of normal routines leading to losses of manpower and revenue as workers stay away from work.

In the past, businesses have been looted and harm occasioned on the innocent.

Industry and commerce are the drivers of economy and require an environment of stability to prosper. Activities that undermine this environment therefore have potential to bring ruin a country’s economy.

This fluid situation calls for sobriety as we tackle the various challenges the country is facing. Tourism is at the core of commerce in the country, and it is always the first casualty as foreigners take a flight as happened for the better part of this year.

What Kenya is faced with are tremendous economic losses and a reversal of gains in the tourism sector, the country’s top exchange earner.

It is saddening to think about the mounting losses arising out of this – lives, business opportunities, and loss of jobs as the hospitality industry dissipates.

We therefore call on those responsible to tread carefully to ensure that the country remains in one piece.