The reopening of the airports heralds the normalization of business and is expected to resurrect business activities especially the horticultural industry, which is the dominant activity in the area.

The North Rift region had an impressive run in 2007, registering earning increase of up to 64 per cent to Sh49.5 billion. This was prompted by pressure for goods in key international markets.

This is expected to strengthen the  Kenyan Shilling against the US Dollar and boost the expiring trade arrangements with major European markets.

During the post-election violence in and around the main productive horticultural places near Naivasha and the west of the Rift Valley, farmers remained optimistic. Riots in that area adversely affected flower farms as most of those providing casual labour were forced to leave their homes.

Quoted by the Business Daily, Ms Jane Ngige, the chief executive of the Kenya Flower Council said: “The developments are not good and all of us are meeting to try and find a way out of the situation.”

Roads from Eldoret and Kericho remain impassable as gangs of youth continue to erect roadblocks along the main highway demanding to be paid.

Laban Onditi, a businessman and an official of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has also warned that unless the main highway linking to Nairobi is reopened more farmers will continue to count looses.

Keywords:  business kenya kenya_elections travel