Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Investment, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has outlined a comprehensive government strategy to modernise county markets and strengthen support for traders and small businesses, signalling a sharper policy focus on the informal and micro-enterprise sector as a driver of economic growth.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary at Parliament buildings on May 6, 2026, Kinyanjui responded to questions from senators, led by Tom Ojienda, on how the national government is supporting counties to manage markets and sustain trade operations.
At the core of the government’s approach is the roll-out of Business Development Services (BDS), market intelligence and advisory services targeting market operators and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The interventions are designed to improve the operational capacity of traders and enhance the competitiveness of businesses operating in local markets.
The CS said the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) is at the forefront of delivering capacity-building support, conducting feasibility studies, market assessments, technology needs evaluations and enterprise development training to improve how trading spaces are run.
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The CS said the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) is at the forefront of delivering capacity-building support, conducting feasibility studies, market assessments, technology needs evaluations and enterprise development training to improve how trading spaces are run.
On policy, Kinyanjui disclosed that the Ministry has developed guidelines for the development and management of markets in collaboration with the State Department for Housing. Implementation of those guidelines is being monitored jointly with county governments, a signal that the national government intends to maintain oversight while allowing counties to lead on execution.
The government is also working with county administrations to establish County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), a flagship initiative aimed at creating structured hubs for the aggregation, processing, storage and marketing of agricultural produce. The parks are positioned as anchor infrastructure for agricultural value chains, bringing together farmers, processors and traders within organised commercial spaces.
The CAIPs initiative is underpinned by baseline studies, market assessments, periodic reviews and field monitoring to track implementation progress and ensure the facilities deliver commercial value.
By Benedict Aoya
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