The Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) on Tuesday announced that it was cancelling an investment conference that was supposed to be held in Kisumu.
KNCCI through Nyanza International Investment Conference Chairman Japh Olende announced that the event was being cancelled due to the protests witnessed across the country.
The Conference was supposed to be held between June 28 and 29 with President William Ruto being the chief guest.
Ruto was supposed to jet into Kisumu on Friday, June 28, to open the two-day conference.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the country, we, the Organizing Committee of the Nyanza International Investment Conference, have come to a decision to postpone the conference until a later date,” a statement from KNCCI read in part.
“We will inform you of the new conference dates after a keen review of the necessary parameters needed to ensure a successful conference.”
The event was supposed to bring together local and international investors as well as the country’s top leadership to explore investment opportunities in the Nyanza region.
Kisumu was part of regions that experienced mass protests as youth in their thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against the Finance Bill 2024.
The protests were largely characterised by chants calling for the resignation of the President.
Speaking of the protests, President William Ruto had termed the events treasonous and would be met with the full force of the law.
“I assure Kenyans that we shall provide Kenyans with a full, effective and expeditious response to today’s treasonous events,” the President had vowed.
With what will happen in the next few days unclear, KNCCI has decided to suspend the conference indefinitely.
This comes days after President Ruto opted not to address Nyahururu residents who had gathered outside ACK Church where the Head of State had worshipped on Sunday, June 23.
