This time last year, economic development in East Africa looked decidedly shaky after allegations of manipulation in Kenya against the winner of December 2007’s presidential election, Mwai Kibaki, sparked ethnic violence in the region’s most economically important country. Violence among citizens as well as police shootings killed hundreds of civilians and one MP as unrest spread, with as many as 600,000 people were displaced as a result.

Naturally, this political and humanitarian crisis had an effect on Kenya’s businesses and investors. “During the political troubles, people weren’t sure whether they should invest in the country at all,” says Arti Doshi of Chase Bank. “The majority of investors in businesses were from the local Indian community and many questioned whether it was safe for them to be in Kenya. Some even emigrated.”

It also meant the investment pace slowed down for some firms. “We work specifcally at the lower end of the scale,” explains Mark Paper, COO of Business Partners International, which has a...

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