The Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) announced on Tuesday the cancellation of the Nyanza Investment Conference, which was scheduled to take place in Kisumu on June 28 and 29. The decision comes amid ongoing protests across the country, raising security concerns and logistical challenges for the event.
Japh Olende, Chairman of the Nyanza International Investment Conference, conveyed the KNCCI’s regret over the cancellation. “Given the current unrest and the safety concerns it brings, we have decided that it would be in the best interest of all parties involved to cancel the conference,” Olende stated.
The event was set to feature President William Ruto as the chief guest, with his keynote address anticipated to attract significant attention from both local and international investors. President Ruto was expected to arrive in Kisumu on Friday, June 28, to inaugurate the two-day conference, which aimed to showcase investment opportunities in the Nyanza region.
The protests, which have been ongoing for several weeks, have created a volatile environment, making it difficult to guarantee the safety and security of attendees. The unrest stems from various socio-political issues, which have yet to be resolved, leading to widespread demonstrations and disruptions.
The cancellation of the conference is a significant blow to the local business community, which had hoped to use the event as a platform to attract investment and promote economic development in the region. The Nyanza Investment Conference was seen as a crucial opportunity to highlight the potential of the Nyanza region, known for its rich natural resources and strategic location along Lake Victoria.
The KNCCI has expressed its commitment to rescheduling the conference once the situation stabilizes. “We are dedicated to ensuring that the investment opportunities in Nyanza are recognized and will work towards organizing a successful event at a later date,” Olende assured.
In the meantime, stakeholders are urged to stay informed about future developments and continue to support efforts to bring stability to the region. The KNCCI, along with other relevant authorities, will be monitoring the situation closely and providing updates as needed.
As the nation navigates these challenging times, the hope remains that peace and order will be restored, allowing for the continuation of efforts to foster economic growth and development in Nyanza and beyond.
