Kakuma, October 14, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Hundreds of host and refugee-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Turkana are set to benefit from a three-day Trade Fair jointly organized by the County Government, Inkomoko, and other partners.
The fair, held in Kakuma, seeks to create a platform that links local traders with external markets to enhance sales, improve access to supplies, and expand business opportunities.
This is the second edition of the event, following last year’s successful inaugural fair organized by Inkomoko.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said the County Government recognizes trade as a key driver of economic growth and remains committed to supporting MSMEs through initiatives that promote market access.
“With studies showing that host and refugee-led enterprises constitute the 13th largest market in Kenya, we welcome such events to help unlock the potential of the sector,” Dr. Erus said.
He praised Inkomoko’s model of supporting MSMEs through financing and business development services, noting that commercial financing had proven effective in transforming local enterprises.
“Contrary to the belief that MSMEs cannot repay loans, Inkomoko’s approach has achieved a repayment rate of up to 97 percent. This shows that businesses in Turkana can thrive and remain creditworthy,” he said.
Dr. Erus added that the growing network of enterprises in Kakuma and its environs was helping to foster host-refugee integration and promote shared economic prosperity as envisioned by the Shirika plan and the current shift that views refugees as an economic resource rather than a humanitarian burden.
Teresia Wakahia, Inkomoko Director in charge of Business Growth Services said that over 3,700 entrepreneurs have benefited from the organization’s financing and capacity-building initiatives, leading to the establishment of thriving businesses across various sectors in Turkana.
She explained the trade fair concept was developed to go beyond financing and training, incorporating advocacy, inclusion, and market linkages to strengthen MSMEs.
“Our operations in Eldoret, Lodwar, Dadaab, and Nairobi allow MSME owners from different regions to interact and form lasting relationships for markets and supply chains,” she said.
Mary Wanjiru, one of the MSME owner and beneficiary of the Inkomoko financing model, said the previous trade fair helped her connect with new suppliers and improve her business margins, expressing hope that this year’s Trade Fair would further increase her business network.
“Through the fair, we interact directly with suppliers, learn about sourcing, and understand how to price for better profit margins. Am sure this time round I will make more contacts and increase my networks,” she said.
During the event, the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), represented by Camp Manager Edwin Chabari, assured traders of continued government support in addressing emerging security and protection concerns.
“Our role as government is to ensure that the business environment remains safe and conducive for trade. We will continue to provide the necessary security support,” Chabari said.
The Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Turkana chapter CEO Paul Erukudi used the Fair to advocate for increased utilization of services offered by the chamber.
DG Erus visited the exhibition booths and witnessed the networking sessions where peer-to-peer exchanges on potential partnerships and continuous engagement were held.
Winnie Loposh (Director Trade and Enterprise Development), Raphael Logum (Director Resource Mobilization and partner coordination), Elizabeth Modo ( Assistant Director Administration, Kakuma Municipality) and Joseph Arikor (Program Manager, Inkomoko Turkana office) were present.
