Lokori, Turkana East- April 14, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Department of Trade has rolled out plans to renovate all dormant market stalls across the County by the end of June 2024. This effort is aimed at improving the County’s economy and expanding employment opportunities.

Chief Officer of Trade, Enterprise Development & Cooperatives Robert Loyelei, while handing over a market project site to the Contactor in Lokori has revealed a detailed plan to revamp dormant market sheds after years of abandonment create more employment opportunities and boost the local economy further.

“The Department’s immediate plan is to carry out repair and renovation works. We will also facilitate community engagements, in liaison with area political leaders and other stakeholders, that will ensure vendors utilize the market stalls,” said CO Loyelei.

He has challenged the market management committees to actively lead from the front and rally traders in the optimal use of the improved county markets.

Trade Director James Lokwale confirmed all the contractors are on-site at the markets with civil works expected to be complete in two months. The sites are in Lokichar, Katilu (Turkana South), Turkwel (Loima), Nakurio, Kalokol (Turkana Central), and Lowareng’ak, Lokitaung’ (Turkana North) to improve accessibility and improve business operations.

Director Lokwale further stated said the County Government has invested heavily in market infrastructure for ease of doing business. fresh produce traders operating outside the designated county markets will be required to move to the upgraded market sheds to maintain their market permits.