NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 21 – The Jubilee Party has cautioned political leaders against making statements that could discourage tourism and foreign investment, warning that such remarks risk hurting ordinary Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on the country’s economy.

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In a statement on Monday, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta said the party had taken note of recent public remarks urging international tourists and prospective investors to suspend travel to and investment in Kenya until after the next General Election.

While not naming any individual, Kenta said Jubilee understood the frustrations over governance, insecurity and the shrinking democratic space, but stressed that political messaging should not come at the expense of the country’s economic interests.

“We fully appreciate the frustrations that continue to be expressed regarding the state of governance, insecurity, the shrinking democratic space and the growing concerns over the use of violence and criminal elements in our politics,” Kenta said.

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“However, we believe that any communication made in pursuit of political change must equally safeguard the national interest.”

His remarks come days after opposition leaders made appeals to the international community over Kenya’s political environment, sparking debate on the possible impact of such statements on the country’s tourism and investment sectors.

Kenta said Jubilee had consistently condemned the infiltration of criminal gangs into political activities and had repeatedly called on the government to guarantee public safety, protect constitutional freedoms and restore confidence in law enforcement.

However, he warned that calls perceived as discouraging tourism or foreign investment could have unintended consequences for millions of Kenyans.

“Tourism remains one of Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earners, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across hotels, transport, tour operations, cultural enterprises, conservation initiatives, agriculture and countless small businesses,” he said.

He added that foreign investment plays a critical role in creating jobs, driving industrial growth and supporting innovation.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya