Over 2,200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Turkana County are poised to benefit from a transformative two-year capacity-building initiative designed to equip them with the skills and certifications needed to penetrate international markets.
The program, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is a joint effort between the Turkana County Government and the International Trade Center (ITC). It aims to elevate the competitiveness of local enterprises by providing training in product branding, certification, value addition, and adherence to international trade standards.
The initiative was unveiled during a consultative meeting held at the Department of Trade, Gender, and Tourism headquarters in Lodwar, attended by county officials and ITC representatives.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Tourism, Roseline Aite, expressed optimism about the program’s potential to economically empower local entrepreneurs. “This partnership is likely to open doors for local businesses to become global players and enhance the economic inclusion of MSMEs,” she said, noting that value-added sectors such as beekeeping, basketry, and traditional crafts stand to gain the most.
Pauline Tang’arae, Chief Officer for Trade and Enterprise Development, highlighted Turkana’s unique cultural heritage as a potential advantage in the global supply chain. “With proper branding and certification, Turkana-made products have the potential to command niche markets abroad,” she noted.
ITC National Project Coordinator Halkano Jilo Boru emphasized the program’s focus on economic inclusivity. “Our aim is to ensure that even entrepreneurs in remote areas can find a place in international markets. Turkana has untapped opportunities that international trade can help realize,” he said.
County and ITC officials are confident that the initiative will boost local incomes, spur job creation, and improve youth livelihoods across the region. Also present at the meeting were Senior Trade Officer Samuel Edoket and ITC officials Beuchen Ben and Julius Lokaale.
Written By Rodney Mbua
