Kakuma, 3rd February 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Department of Trade, Cooperatives, Youth, and Gender Affairs, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), are assessing the operational progress of the Biashara-Huduma Centre in Kakuma municipality.

The project, funded by IFC through a matching grant with the county government, aims to facilitate the provision of essential government services to both refugees and the host community.

County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Cooperatives, Gender, and Youth Affairs, Roseline Aite emphasized the sustainability of the facility, highlighting its role in supporting businesses through advisory services, training, and mentorship. She noted that the centre empowers local entrepreneurs by helping them formalize and grow their businesses.

“Business owners who previously had to travel long distances, disrupting their operations, will now benefit from reduced time and financial burdens,” Aite said.

She also reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to sustaining the project and exploring supplementary budget allocations to enhance service provision.

The head of UNHCR Kakuma sub-office, Sateesh Nanduri, underscored the need to expand the initiative to improve refugee access to government services, particularly as integration with the host community progresses.

Nanduri also emphasized the centre’s role in fostering market linkages and facilitating access to vital business information for refugees.

Chief Officer for Trade and Cooperatives, Pauline Tangarae, commended the centre for bringing government services closer to the people and for incorporating commercial activities to generate additional income.

The meeting was attended by Deputy County Commissioner Joshua Ogoche, Sub-Counties Administrator Christine Nalemseko, the Biashara-Huduma Centre manager, and an IFC delegation.