NAIROBI, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Kenya remains a favorite destination for investments and trade despite political uncertainties surrounding the Oct. 26 repeat presidential elections, an official said Thursday.
Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe said at a media briefing in Nairobi that the investment climate has not been adversely affected by high-octane politics that have become the hall mark of this election season.
"Foreign investors and local entrepreneurs have devoted resources in pursuit of economic development even as the country grapple with election jitters. The government is committed to ensure that economic activities are cushioned from political risks," said Kiraithe.
Kenyans will return to the polling booths on Oct. 26 to elect a new president in line with Supreme Court order for repeat presidential polls after it annulled the ones held on Aug. 8 citing gross malpractices.
The incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta will face off with Raila Odinga from the National Super Alliance (NASA) in the hotly contested polls that will test Kenya's ability to sustain its democratic credentials and economic vibrancy.
So far, Kenyatta's and Odinga's lieutenants have escalated rhetoric during the campaigns to win the hearts and minds of an estimated 15 million registered voters.
The two candidates and their allies are yet to agree on modalities of conducting the repeat presidential polls, worsening uncertainties in the country.
Kiraithe assured the public and the business community that security agencies were on high alert to forestall threats to civil harmony and economic development.
"Our greatest strength as a country is our independent institutions like security services that have remained steadfast in this election cycle to deter lawlessness and other acts that are injurious to entrepreneurship and national cohesion," Kiraithe said.
He added the government was committed to implementation of transformative projects in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, health and ICT sectors despite poll uncertainties.
