Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has urged beneficiaries of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) to grow their enterprises into commercial ventures that create jobs for the local population.
Dr. Erus spoke Friday during a two-day Exhibition and Trade Fair in Kakuma, hosted by the County Government and KKCF in partnership with the Turkana Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). The event brought together KKCF investees to showcase products and build networks for expansion.
“The investment by the World Bank Group-IFC program delivered through KKCF can best be considered as seed capital,” Dr. Erus said.
“Beyond the loans and grants awarded, real businesses stand out not just by becoming bigger and better, but by expanding employment opportunities.”
He said the county had backed development partners’ efforts by pushing for Kakuma’s elevation to municipal status, and pointed to the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre and the Kakuma Modern Market as steps to improve the local business environment.
“Plans are underway to expand the Kakuma Modern Market by putting up a slaughterhouse and to connect Kakuma and Letea by upgrading the road network,” he added, saying the projects would unlock more opportunities for traders.
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, citing potential to draw consumers from within Turkana and across the border amid peaceful coexistence between host and refugee communities.
Director for Trade Winnie Loposh said business support programs would continue even after KKCF’s exit.
Elizabeth Lokoolio, one of 120 KKCF investors and owner of Silo Feeds, said the program had helped her business grow into a processing operation capable of employing people and attracting partners.
KNCCI Turkana CEO Paul Erukudi said the exhibition demonstrated Turkana’s readiness for further investment, and called on the county to legislate market days and establish a trade calendar.
The fair was also attended by CECM for Public Service Patrick Losike Lokaimoe and representatives from the World Food Programme, UNHCR, Inkomoko, ICEA Lion, KCB, Equity Bank, and the Kenya Bankers Association.
By Peter Gitonga
