Lodwar, June 12 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

About 2,250 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Turkana are set to benefit from a two-year capacity-building program aimed at helping them meet international trade standards and tap into global markets.

The initiative is a partnership between the Turkana County Government and the International Trade Center (ITC), with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

This was revealed during a consultative meeting between county officials and ITC representatives at the Department of Trade, Gender and Tourism headquarters in Lodwar.

County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Tourism, Roseline Aite, said the county is keen on positioning local MSMEs, especially those engaged in value-added beekeeping, basketry, and other traditional crafts, to access export opportunities.

“This partnership is likely to open doors for local businesses to become global players and enhance the economic inclusion of MSMEs,” said Aite.

Chief Officer for Trade and Enterprise Development, Pauline Tang’arae, noted that Turkana’s unique cultural identity gives its products a competitive edge in the global supply chain.

“With proper branding and certification, Turkana-made products have the potential to command niche markets abroad,” she said.

The ITC’s National Project Coordinator, Halkano Jilo Boru, emphasized the project’s goal of unlocking economic potential in underserved regions like Turkana.

“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.

According to project plans, MSMEs will receive training in branding, product certification, value addition, and compliance with international standards—critical steps to penetrate and sustain presence in foreign markets.

Both the County Government and ITC expressed confidence that the initiative will increase incomes, boost job creation, and strengthen youth livelihoods in the region.

Also present during the meeting were Senior Trade Officer Samuel Edoket, and ITC officials Beuchen Ben and Julius Lokaale.