Kakuma, August 14th 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has challenged beneficiaries of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund, (KKCF), to grow their businesses into commercial ventures capable of creating jobs for the local population.
Dr. Erus spoke in Kakuma during a two-day Exhibition and Trade Fair hosted by the County Government and KKCF in partnership with the Turkana Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The fair brought together KKCF investees to showcase innovations and products, and to build networks for expansion.
“The investment by the World Bank Group-IFC program delivered through KKCF can best be considered as seed capital. Beyond the loans and grants awarded, real businesses stand out not just by becoming bigger and better, but by expanding employment opportunities,” Dr. Erus said.
The Deputy Governor said the county had complemented the work of development partners by pushing for the elevation of Kakuma to municipal status.
Additionally, DG Erus cited the establishment of the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre and the Kakuma Modern Market as steps aimed at improving the business environment in the area.
“As we move forward, plans are underway to expand the Kakuma Modern Market by putting up a slaughterhouse and to connect Kakuma and Letea by upgrading the road network. This will further improve the business environment and unlock opportunities for traders to create more jobs,” he said.
Kakuma Camp Manager and Head of the Department of Refugee Services, Thomas Siele, urged traders to consolidate the Kakuma market before expanding to Lodwar and other towns.
According to Siele, there is potential to attract consumers from within Turkana and from cross-border markets due to the peaceful coexistence between host and refugee communities in Kakuma.
Director for Trade Winnie Loposh said the department would continue supporting businesses even after the exit of KKCF.
One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Lokoolio of Silo Feeds, credited KKCF for the growth of her business.
“I am one of the 120 investees and the journey has been incredible. The business I was supported to put up has now expanded into a real processing industry capable of employing people and attracting partners,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Turkana Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, KNCCI, Paul Erukudi, said the exhibition showed that Turkana was ripe for further investment.
According to Erukudi, the county should pass laws on market days and create an established calendar to streamline trade.
The trade fair was also attended and addressed by CECM for Public Service Patrick Losike Lokaimoe and representatives of development partners such as World Food Program, UNHCR, Inkomoko, ICEA lion, Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Bank and Kenya Bankers Association.
