Lodwar, May 8, 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government of Turkana has unveiled 22 business kiosks across major towns in Turkana for lease by youth, women, and organized groups aiming to exercise their entrepreneurial skills through trade and commercial ventures.

“The kiosks are at strategic locations in Lodwar, Kakuma, Lokichoggio, Lokichar, Kalokol, and Lorgum, targeting both budding and established entrepreneurs to initiate thriving businesses,” Chief Officer for Trade and Enterprise Development, Robert Loyelei stated.

Chief Officer Loyelei added that access to the business kiosks will be through applications to the Directorate of Trade on a first-come, first-served basis, noting that due diligence will be exercised to ensure the inclusion of youth, minority groups, women groups, and persons with disabilities in the entire scheme.

Speaking during the unveiling of the kiosks, Director for Trade James Lokwale emphasized that the structures had been designed to allow for diverse commercial interests, including general retail shops, food and beverage trade, hotel businesses, and even stationery stores, among others.

“The kiosks are fully branded and noticeable. Coupled with the fact that they are strategically located, it is our hope that they will invigorate Turkana’s business landscape,” Director Lokwale said.

While urging entrepreneurs to leverage the move and take up the shops, Director Lokwale said that all applicants are expected to meet the minimum basic requirement for trade licensing in line with the legal provisions outlined by the county government.

It is expected that the county will release a detailed call for applications outlining the specific eligibility criteria for access to the shop in the next three weeks.