The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has strongly condemned incidents of hooliganism witnessed in Kitale town on Saturday during the Niko Kado Initiative, terming the unrest a major threat to business operations in the area.
KNCCI Trans Nzoia County Chairman, Titus Kigongi, said the chaos, which involved groups of youths looting businesses, has left traders counting heavy losses and created an atmosphere of fear among investors.
Speaking on behalf of the business community, Kigongi noted that the violence severely disrupted operations in the central business district (CBD), with nearly half of the businesses affected.
“Almost half of the businesses in the CBD have been affected. Many have been destroyed, and those who tried to protect their property were attacked,” he said, estimating losses at not less than KSh100 million.
He blamed the unrest on politically instigated violence and criticized what he described as heavy-handed enforcement operations that have exposed traders to harassment, intimidation, and loss of property.
Kigongi faulted government agencies for failing to provide adequate security despite consistently collecting taxes from business owners.
“They are quick to collect taxes, but reluctant to protect our businesses. This is unacceptable,” he stated.
Small-scale traders, including vegetable vendors, were among the hardest hit, with many forced to shut down early and flee for safety. Others sustained injuries while attempting to protect their businesses, incurring additional medical expenses.
The KNCCI chair also raised concern over what he termed as selective deployment of security personnel, alleging that police focus more on protecting political leaders than safeguarding businesses and livelihoods.
He warned that the continued instability could scare away both local and international investors, emphasizing that business thrives in a peaceful and predictable environment.
“How can an investor come to Trans Nzoia when such chaos is happening? Business requires peace, stability, and a conducive environment,” he added.
Kigongi further highlighted the broader economic implications, noting that Trans Nzoia serves as a key trade corridor supplying goods to regions such as West Pokot, Turkana, and even South Sudan, all of which have now been affected by the disruption.
In his address, he appealed to the youth to resist being used by politicians to fuel violence, urging them instead to engage in productive activities and use democratic processes to express their concerns.
“Young people are the backbone of the economy, but many have been abandoned and are only remembered during political mobilization. They should not allow themselves to be used to destroy businesses,” he said.
He called on the national government, including the Interior Ministry, to urgently restore order, protect businesses, and initiate youth empowerment programs to curb such incidents in the future.
Kigongi concluded by warning that continued unrest would further cripple the local economy and erode investor confidence if not addressed promptly.
