Construction activity appears to have significantly slowed down as the country approaches Election Day 2022.
At various hitherto busy sites around Nairobi, there was not much activity when Construction Kenya Showcase visited over the weekend. At one site in Parklands, a security guard said, “Mkubwa alisema watu wasafiri kupiga kura.” (The boss allowed workers to travel for the polls).
A major manufacturer of building products said new production had been slowed down to allow existing stock to clear first. However, hardware shops in the city and environs remained operational though with decreased activity noted at several outlets.
Election jitters in Kenya is not an uncommon phenomenon especially after the disputed 2007 polls that resulted in loss of life, property and displacement of sections of the population. However, any problems this year would have a devastating effect considering that the industry is just recovering from the ravages of Covid 19 that saw mass layoffs and closure of many businesses across several sectors.
The government has assured Kenyans and the international community of security before, during and after the elections.
Elections are scheduled for Tuesday 9th August.
