The region has continued to hobble on following last month's disputed elections in Kenya. Efforts to mediate in the crisis by Ghana's President John Kufuor, also the African Union chairman and many other international leaders have failed.

The crisis has left hundreds dead, thousands displaced with homes burnt and looted by lawless gangs.

Now the opposition is calling for a resumption of protests because of growing frustration on the lack of a clear cut solution to redress the alleged misappropriation of the election.

The situation is already frustrating the neighboring countries whose economies are symbiotically linked to Kenya's.

Uganda, Rwanda, eastern D.R. Congo, Southern Sudan and some parts of Tanzania depend on Kenya for access to the sea via its port of Mombasa.

They also depend on fuel from the Kenya Pipeline Company at Eldoret and Nakuru.

The region largely imports its raw materials and essential goods and services from Kenya.

Business people, governments and the international community are getting anxious.

The frustration is leading the region's players to seek alternatives from Kenya.

By the time of going to press, a couple of delegations were in Dar es Salaam looking at ways of using its port as an alternative from Mombasa. And for a long time to come.

Forewarned is fore armed!

Major conferences and workshops are already making cancellations and looking for alternative venues. Uganda has just come out of the Commonwealth summit.

They can take on a good number of meetings. So can Tanzania and Rwanda.

Tourism, which is the country's biggest foreign currency earner, estimated at $1bn a year and already hurt by the fiasco, could find its way to the neighbors since they are providing a more tranquil environment. Crisis can be an opportunity for some.

However, as a region, the effects are everywhere and an answer is needed.

Dialogue and understanding on both sides is needed urgently in a situation where people resolve their differences peacefully without destroying property and innocent lives.

Discretion and understanding on both sides of the political divide should prevail.

The East African Community and its East African Business Council should use this opportunity to engage the parties in Kenya for the sake of the country and the region.

Every second counts in business. The economy needs to be given a chance.