15 May 2008
editorial
Nairobi — The Government is finally waking up to the fact that it is ultimately responsible for the safety of its citizens and their property. On Monday, President Kibaki took what is clearly a baby step in cobbling some form of restitution for victims of the post-election security lapse.
During the occasion, some Sh457 million was raised, mainly from Government agencies, toward helping the victims. It is part of the Sh29 billion targeted for the massive exercise.
Without delving much into the legality of the exercise, we note that this is an extraordinary situation that requires equal response. However, it is important for players to also look at the private sector, which in the medium term holds the key to return to a recovery path.
In our weekly business pullout, the Smart Company on Wednesday, we carried the sob story of Ukwala Supermarket, which is just trying to recover from the violence that rocked Kisumu. A director, Mr Hitesh Dhanani, laments neglect by the Government.
While we back the Government in its priority, we agree with the businessman on one thing: businesses must also be compensated.
Failure to do so would naturally starve some regions of investment, exacerbating the unemployment situation, which was only made worse by the looting. Insurance companies have shown their unwillingness to offer compensation, which leaves the Government as the only resort. The State must come out clearly and tell investors that it guarantees their investment.
Contrary to a cavalier attitude in some quarters, all regions need, nay, are crying for, these investments more than the investors need the regions.
Let's compensate businesses also.
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