Kenya’s economy suffers after presidential election turmoil

NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s economy has suffered after months of political turmoil that saw a presidential election nullified and a repeat vote boycotted by the opposition.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance says businesses had lost about $7 billion by November as a result of the instability that also left dozens killed.

The World Bank this month lowered Kenya’s growth forecast for this year to 4.9 per cent, the worst in five years.

Tourism in East Africa’s economic hub has been hurt.

Simon Kabu, chief executive officer of Bonfire Adventures, says financial losses have been huge. Instead of seeing tens of thousands of foreign tourists in recent months, they have had fewer than 100.

Financial analyst Aly Satchu Khan says the slowdown has led to layoffs in manufacturing as well.