Policy Brief No. 07 of 2007 on Improving the Security Situation in Kenya

Abstract

Since the advent of the Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) in 2003, the government has indicated its commitment to tackle insecurity in an attempt to provide a favourable environment for economic growth. In the ERS, provision of better governance, improved security, and restoration of the rule of law are singled out as some of the important pillars for reviving the economy. Further, one of the goals in the Private Sector Development Strategy is to improve Kenya's business environment for existing and potential investors by designing additional measures to combat crime and insecurity. T his follows the realization that crime and insecurity are a key constraint that has negatively impacted on the growth of private sector investment. The Kenya Vision 2030 also embraces matters of security under the political pillar, which is one of the three pillars the vision is anchored on. To achieve the vision, an enabling environment must be put in place for the private sector to grow investments. Insecurity affects the economy both in the short and long term since current and potential investors are affected due to the perceived security risk.