Moreover, Turkana Deputy Governor Dr John Erus has challenged KKCF beneficiaries to transform their businesses.
This move aims to help KKCF beneficiaries create more jobs for the local population.
Dr Erus spoke in Kakuma during a two-day Exhibition and Trade Fair organized by the Turkana County Government and KKCF in partnership with the Turkana Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
This fair brought together KKCF beneficiaries to showcase their innovations and products. It also created opportunities for networking, partnerships, and business 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 Turkana County had complemented the work of development partners through initiatives aimed at improving the business environment in Kakuma.
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He cited the county’s push to elevate Kakuma to municipal status, the establishment of the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre and the development of the Kakuma Modern Market as key interventions supporting local businesses.
Planned Expansion of Kakuma Market
Dr Erus said the county had further plans to expand the Kakuma Modern Market by constructing a slaughterhouse and improving road connectivity between Kakuma and Letea.
As we move forward, plans are underway to expand the Kakuma Modern Market by putting up a slaughterhouse. We will also connect Kakuma and Letwa by upgrading the road network. This will further improve the business environment and unlock opportunities for traders to create more jobs, he said.
The planned investments are expected to improve trade infrastructure and create an environment where businesses can expand their operations and reach new markets.
Strengthen Kakuma Market
Kakuma Camp Manager and Head of the Department of Refugee Services Thomas Siele urged traders to consolidate the Kakuma market before expanding their businesses to Lodwar and other towns.
Siele said Kakuma had significant commercial potential, with opportunities to attract consumers from across Turkana County as well as cross-border markets.
He attributed part of the area’s potential to the peaceful coexistence between refugee and host communities.
Director for Trade Winnie Loposh assured businesses that the county government would continue providing support even after the exit of KKCF.
“Business support programs will continue,” Looposh said.
KKCF Beneficiary Says Business Has Become Processing Industry
One of the KKCF beneficiaries, Elizabeth Lokoolio credited the program with helping her business grow.
“I am one of the 120 investees and the journey has been incredible. The business I was supported to put up has now expanded into a real processing industry capable of employing people and attracting partners,” she said.
Lokoolio’s experience, she said, demonstrated the potential for targeted business financing and support to help small enterprises transition into larger commercial ventures.
Turkana Ripe for More Investment
KNCCI Turkana Chapter Chief Executive Officer Paul Erukudi said the exhibition demonstrated that Turkana was ready for increased investment.
Erukudi called for the county to enact regulations on market days and establish a clear calendar to streamline trading activities.
The event provided KKCF beneficiaries with a platform to showcase their enterprises while connecting with potential customers, investors and partners.
