President William Ruto told police leaders to start quick investigations after violent protests hurt small business owners Wednesday. The president spoke during a special day for small businesses and said he felt sad about people dying and property damage. Hard-working Kenyans who run small shops suffered the most harm during the chaos. Ruto said people burned businesses that took years to build and destroyed many market stalls. He called the violence planned destruction rather than peaceful protests.
The president warned people who use young protesters to cause trouble and told them to seek power through elections instead of violence. Police must find and arrest everyone who participated in the attacks on traders and their businesses. Interior Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made similar statements about pursuing those responsible for the damage. The government promised to protect small businesses and keep peace across the country.
Small businesses employ over 17 million Kenyans and make up more than 40 percent of the national economy. These enterprises create more jobs than large companies and drive economic growth throughout Kenya. The government has built 280 modern markets and opened 13 industrial parks to help small businesses grow. Officials have also given out 71 billion shillings through a special loan program for entrepreneurs. Ruto said small businesses remain central to the government's economic development plans.
The president warned people who use young protesters to cause trouble and told them to seek power through elections instead of violence. Police must find and arrest everyone who participated in the attacks on traders and their businesses. Interior Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made similar statements about pursuing those responsible for the damage. The government promised to protect small businesses and keep peace across the country.
Small businesses employ over 17 million Kenyans and make up more than 40 percent of the national economy. These enterprises create more jobs than large companies and drive economic growth throughout Kenya. The government has built 280 modern markets and opened 13 industrial parks to help small businesses grow. Officials have also given out 71 billion shillings through a special loan program for entrepreneurs. Ruto said small businesses remain central to the government's economic development plans.
