The business community in Eldoret has said it lost more than Sh500 million during the anti-Finance Bill, 2024, protests.
Uasin Gishu chamber of commerce and industry chairman Willy Kenei said Timber XO club, associated with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, lost up to Sh200 million in value of business and damaged assets.
Mobile phone shops, electronic shops and other shops in Eldoret town CBD also incurred heavy losses as a result of vandalism and looting.
“We also had losses in terms of business cancellation in hotels and general destruction of county assets,” Kenei.
He spoke at a meeting in which Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii hosted elders and leaders of the business community to discuss restoration of peace and unity among communities.
Bii and Kenei said following the protests, President William Ruto committed to address the issues raised by the youth.
“We commend the President for the move and I urge our youth and other residents to embrace and value peace and unity,” Bii said.
He said the youth are free to air their views on issues affecting them, but they should do so while ensuring peace prevails.
“Without peace we cannot achieve development. We should safeguard the gains we have made as a nation, instead of destroying what we have built over the years,” Bii said.
Kenei said they will work with the county government to provide a conducive business environment in the town.
He urged all leaders to support President Ruto in his effort to unite the country and create jobs.
Bii urged the elders and the clergy to also work closely with the youth, especially on peace keeping and tap on the available empowerment opportunities.
The county government suffered heavy losses during the protests that turned violent.
