KEPSA wants electioneering period shortened

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) now wants the Parliament  to shorten the electioneering period, arguing that the country’s economic sector has suffered due to the prolonged political season.

Speaking on Wednesday, October 4, while presenting their view on the Jubilee’s proposed amendments to election laws, KEPSA chief executive officer, Carole Kariuki, told the parliamentary select committee that businesses have recorded losses as investors have  suspended their activities due to political temperatures.

The private sector, however, expressed mixed opinions on the amendments, supporting the concurrent electronic and manual transmission of results from the polling stations to the constituencies and national tallying centre, urging the political class to ensure that the repeat presidential election is done and dusted by October 26.

“Elections shouldn’t go beyond 26^th of October because prolonged political season in the country has left businesses and the economy hurting,” said Ms Kariuki.”

KEPSA is advocating for a 50 percent quorum of commissioners for Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to transact its business. According to the amendments, Jubilee seeks to reduce the quorum from five to half of the existing members but not less than three.

Law Society of Kenya representatives who were also expected to appear on the second day of public participation on the amendment to the electoral laws failed to show up.

The electoral commission and political parties, including representatives of National Super Alliance, are expected to present their submissions at the joint parliamentary select committee’s third sitting on Thursday.