- Turkana businesses are being urged to turn seed funding into bigger enterprises and more jobs
- County plans to expand Kakuma Modern Market and upgrade the Kakuma Letea road to boost trade
- Traders are eyeing wider markets as investment and business support expand in Kakuma
Deputy Governor of Turkana County Dr John Erus has challenged beneficiaries of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) to grow their businesses into commercial ventures capable of creating jobs for the local population.
Dr Erus spoke during a two day Exhibition and Trade Fair hosted by the County Government and KKCF, in partnership with the Turkana Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). The fair brought together KKCF investees to showcase innovations and products, and to build networks for expansion.
“The investment by the World Bank Group-IFC program delivered through KKCF can best be considered as seed capital. Beyond the loans and grants awarded, real businesses stand out not just by becoming bigger and better, but by expanding employment opportunities,” Dr Erus said.
The Deputy Governor said the county had complemented the work of development partners by pushing for the elevation of Kakuma to municipal status.
He also cited the establishment of the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre and the Kakuma Modern Market as steps taken to improve the business environment in the area.
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Looking ahead, Dr Erus said plans were underway to expand the Kakuma Modern Market with a new slaughterhouse and to upgrade the road connecting Kakuma and Letea. He explained that these projects would further improve the business environment and unlock opportunities for traders to create more jobs.
Kakuma Camp Manager and Head of the Department of Refugee Services, Thomas Siele, urged traders to consolidate the Kakuma market before expanding to Lodwar and other towns.
According to Siele, there is potential to attract consumers from within Turkana and from cross border markets, because of the peaceful coexistence between host and refugee communities in Kakuma.
Meanwhile, Director for Trade Winnie Loposh said the department would continue supporting businesses even after KKCF exits. “Business support programs will continue,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Lokoolio of Silo Feeds, credited KKCF for the growth of her business. “I am one of the 120 investees and the journey has been incredible,” she said. “The business I was supported to put up has now expanded into a real processing industry capable of employing people and attracting partners.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Turkana Chapter of KNCCI, Paul Erukudi, said the exhibition proved that Turkana was ripe for further investment. He added that the county should pass laws on market days and create an established calendar to streamline trade.
By Benedict Aoya
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