Photo: Capital FM

Kenyans have been urged to get back to building the nation as they await the release of presidential votes.

Eldoret,Kapsabet and other major towns in the North Rift remained deserted as most people yesterday failed to resume work a day after the general elections.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdi Hassan said government services went on smoothly even with the skeleton staff in most offices. "We had few challenges but we expect government services to continue smoothly as the election issues take a backstage," said Hassan.

Security however remained tight with GSU personnel on trucks patrolled in most areas of Eldoret town and other parts of the North Rift region. Police officers were redeployed to man tallying centers and also help to love ballot boxes in most areas.

Eldoret West Police boss Erastus Muthamia said security forces had done a commendable job and that they were better prepared for the polling exercise. "All the officers we deployed in most areas did their work perfectly well and we have to commend them," said Muthamia.

Supermarkets and other shops which had closed down to allow workers to vote reopened businesses in Eldoret and other areas buy buying of commodities was quite low. "We are open but it appears most people are not yet back in town and we are not seeing customers streaming in as usual", said Paul Waweru who works at the Kaps Stores in Eldoret.

Some matatu operators also resumed work on most routes although they were charging higher fares. Between Eldoret and Kisumu almost doubled to more than Sh700 from usual Sh350. Few matatu were operating were operating along the Kisumu, Kitale and Webuye routes. The matatu operators said they expected many travelers as from today when most people will be returning to their working areas.