2026 isn't handing out easy wins.
The economy is still shifting under our feet. Funding is cautious. Regulations
keep evolving. And yes, the storms feel relentless sometimes.
Yet every January, I’m reminded of the same quiet truth that has carried
entrepreneurs through tougher seasons: fresh starts don’t wait for perfect
weather.
They happen in the middle of uncertainty. They are built by people who decide,
one more time, to show up, adapt, and push forward anyway.
There is an undeniable buzz in the air, a collective exhale
after the holidays, and a quiet resolve to hit reset this 2026. For
entrepreneurs like me, operating in this country’s high-stakes environment,
fresh starts are not just calendar flips. They are deliberate acts of
reinvention, shedding outdated strategies, adopting new tech stacks... what’s
new? What can I adopt this time round? or turning around product lines to align
with emerging markets. Think of it as upgrading your Operating System, keeping
the core intact but layering in fresh perspectives to navigate what's ahead.
Yet, in this spirit of renewal, we can't ignore the shadows
cast by uncertainty. With Kenya's 2027 general elections looming, the political
environment is already heating up. I remember calling a friend at the beginning
of the week to wish him and his company well this year, and his prayer was that
we should make enough money to last us through 2027. Every business owner is
worried about the uncertainties that come with our elections.
By-elections in late 2025, like those in Nyamira and Malava,
have foreshadowed the tensions. Machete-wielding clashes, road blockades, and
voter intimidation disrupted daily life. Startups, in particular, are on edge.
These young ventures, fintech innovators, agritech firms, small traders, or
e-commerce players thrive on stability. Election cycles bring economic jitters;
currency dips, investor pullbacks, and supply chain snarls. A recent survey by
the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) highlighted that 62% of startups fear
revenue drops due to potential unrest, with many delaying expansions until
post-2027 clarity. It's not paranoia; it's prudence in a context where global
benchmarks demand risk mitigation.
Witnessing Violence and Its Ripple Effects
We have already seen flashes of what's possible. In June
2025, during anniversary protests in Nairobi's CBD, vehicles were torched along
Aga Khan Walk as crowds clashed with police. Similarly, in November's Malava
by-election, a Toyota Prado was set ablaze amid escalating violence. And in
Nyamira, polls descended into chaos with vehicles burned and communities
terrorized. These were not random acts; they targeted symbols of power, often
politicians' rides. But here is the kicker: many of these vehicles are rented
from local car hire companies like Lala Cabs. What did the vehicles do? Absolutely nothing.
They are collateral damage in a cycle of frustration and fury.
As someone running a business in Kenya's car rental space,
I've felt this viscerally. A burned SUV isn't just a loss for the politician;
it's a hit to the rental firm's fleet, insurance premiums spike, and trust
erodes. Where are we headed? If unchecked, toward a fractured society where
businesses bear the brunt of political spillover. We have seen it before in the
2007-2008 post-election violence, which cost the economy over KSh 100 billion
and displaced thousands. Startups today, with lean operations and tight
margins, can't afford such disruptions. The worry is real: How do you pitch to
local or global VCs when headlines scream instability?
Structures for Resilience in Turbulent Times
But fresh starts demand action, not anxiety. The key is
building robust structures to weather election storms, focusing on what we can
control while keeping eyes on the prize: sustainable growth. Here's how, drawn
from Kenyan successes and global best practices:
1. Diversify Revenue Streams and Supply
Chains: Don't put all eggs in one basket. For startups, this means expanding
beyond urban centers, perhaps partnering with rural cooperatives for agritech
or leveraging digital platforms for cross-border e-commerce.
2. Fortify Risk Management with Insurance
and Contingency Plans: Comprehensive insurance is not optional; it's a shield.
Cover not just assets but business interruption. Develop contingency plans:
remote work protocols, backup suppliers, and cash reserves for 6-12 months.
During the 2025 protests, businesses with these in place maintained operations
amid teargas and roadblocks. Tie this to global standards: Adopt ISO 31000 for
risk management, ensuring you're audit-ready for international partners.
3. Engage Communities and Build Alliances:
Elections amplify divisions, so counter with unity. Invest in CSR, sponsor
local youth programs or advocate for peaceful campaigns through bodies like
KEPSA.
4. Leverage Tech for Agility: Use AI-driven
analytics to predict disruptions, monitor social media sentiment, or economic
indicators.
These are not quick fixes; they are the "one more
time" mentality, pushing through iterations until structures solidify.
Remember, the prize is longevity: emerging stronger, like Kenyan firms that
rebounded post-COVID with global exports.
"What does not kill me makes me stronger." Violence
and uncertainty? They are forges for tougher businesses
Eyes on the Prize. One More Time.
Let's embrace fresh starts with clear-eyed resolve. The
elections' shadows are real, but so is our capacity to build shields. Keep eyes
on the prize.
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