Election 2017 Contingency Planning by Castor Vali

August 7, 2017

This article is written by our friends at Castor Vali, Global risk Management. They have suggested these pointers on how to ensure your business is prepared for the upcoming elections.

The Kenyan Election 2017 will involve voting for six different elected positions – President, governor, senator, MP, Woman’s representative and MCA. This has attracted at least 14,552 candidates competing for 1,882 seats.

The election date is scheduled for Tuesday 8th August 2017. Both parties/coalitions have stated that there should be no extension of the election date. However, If a delay is deemed necessary, this may require a constitutional amendment with a two third majority to approve and envisaged to extend beyond a few months.

As a result, companies and individuals should prepare themselves for all eventualities during Election 2017. It is imperative that:

General Awareness is maintained
Personal & Professional preparation is executed
Travel and movements are restricted
Remain cognisant of opinions and surroundings
Preparations for a potential delay are made

How to prepare your business for Election 2017

Should there be moderate to significant levels of unrest, certain measures can be taken to reduce any risks that you or your business may encounter:

Stock homes/offices with food items that require no refrigeration in case of periods with prolonged power outages (tinned food, bottled water, UHT milk, bread, pet food
Ensure sufficient cash on hand (KES and USD)
Ensure first aid/ medical kits are well stocked and that sufficient medicines including any prescription medicine are on hand.
Ensure reliable torches are working and extra batteries, candles, lighters or matches are in reserve.
Ensure gas cylinders are full or consider purchasing a small camping stove, burners, kuni stove or even firewood.
Ensure that you have backup power provided for, e.g. generators. Also make sure extra fuel is in reserve.
Consider purchasing telephone sim cards from a different service provider. Make sure phones have sufficient credit and some extra scratch cards are kept on hand.
Ensure emergency contacts/ important numbers are stored in personal cell phones and posed in common areas. Ensure that private security, hospital, police and embassy numbers are also provided for.
Individuals should register with their respective embassy and aware of any evacuation procedures.
In the event of internet being blocked, consider a VPN in advance.
Ensure all documentation is updated and correct and copies of passport, visa, ID cards, drivers licence, insurance, key family records, bank cards are made. It is advisable that they are stored securely and can be located quickly and efficiently.
Ensure travel documents are readily available and updated.
Consider backing up computer files to a portable hard drive that is secured in a separate
location.
Ensure Vehicles are in good working order and have a good tool kit, including: spare tyres, tow straps and jumper cables. Ensure fuel tanks are filled and a spare jerrican is left in reserve.
Ensure locks and padlocks on all doors/windows are working. Where applicable, ensure smoke alarms and all panic buttons are functioning.
Ensure that your security team is briefed, protocol measures are communicated in advance and that relief support is on hand during the voting period.