On Tuesday, Kenya was hit by a group of people bent on terrorizing the public going about their business in the hope that other Kenyans will be too frightened to stand on their own. The attack has left at least fifteen innocent people dead and several others injured. KEPSA joins the rest of Kenya, and indeed the world, in mourning, following the atrocious act of violence. We at KEPSA do recognize that the complex attacked is host to several institutions, among them KEPSA members, both local and international, directly or through associations. They employ many and this has caused unnecessary anxiety among organizations operating in the area. The Kenyan private sector, from giant firms to the corner kiosk, is the engine of Kenya’s economy, and the foundation of our hopes and dreams for the future. In the context of the global economy, Kenya has made great strides, making us the envy of many countries of our economic rank. The private sector generates jobs, taxes to pay for public health services, and to help meet the costs of educating our children. It generates the resources critical to making devolution work, thus helping realise the long-cherished dream of many Kenyans to take control of their destinies through the devolved system. Attacking the private sector through terrorism imperils all our futures. KEPSA objects to any acts of intimidation by external forces, in the hope that other Kenyans will be frightened to stand by their own. We appreciate the swift movement by various security forces in their response to the incident evacuating hundreds to safety, not forgetting the civilians who have shown up to feed the fighting teams.
We acknowledge efforts put in by the authorities to ensure that business in the other parts of the country continues as usual and even for giving Kenyans the assurance that the situation is contained. We wish the injured quick recovery even as we continue to pray for Kenya. We believe that our country will arise out of this even stronger.