Kenya October 31st – The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has appealed to all Kenyans to observe a state of calm and avoid violence to allow the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations run smoothly.
More than 1.6 million candidates in Kenya are sitting for the exam this year.
Kepsa CEO Carole Kariuki says the candidates need a conducive environment during the exams period.
“These children represent the future of the nation – the future working force of the country. As such, it is our collective responsibility to create the right environment for them to take their exams and self-determine their future,” Kariuki said in a statement.
“It is also our responsibility to safeguard businesses, from the largest to the smallest, as these will soon be their source of livelihood,” she added.
She said KEPSA stands firm against the calls for boycotts, and unruly demonstrations in the country, as they are counter-productive and create a hostile environment for business.
“They are a threat to employees, their families, the suppliers, distributors and customers of these firms, regardless of where in the country they live and work,” she said.
According to KEPSA, the high rate of unemployment has been largely responsible for the rising crime wave in parts of the country.
Kariuki said KEPSA remains concerned over the outbreak of violence in some areas including parts of Nairobi, Kisumu, Bungoma and Migori.
The hostile environment in these areas has led to a decline in economic growth, and in extreme cases, to loss of life.
“We sincerely condole with all the families from demonstrators, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission staff and security forces that have been affected by these acts of violence,” she said.
She called on political leaders to put the country before self in their public addresses and in their agendas, so as to calm and unify the country.
“Only once calm, can we all work together to prepare for the national conversation about our divided country that has existed for many decades and determine what it will take to create lasting peace and continuous economic growth, “she said.
By Martin Mwita
