A new fresh produce market in Kakuma has been opened.
The opening of the Towo Kayeni market follows the election of officials in an exercise overseen by the County Executive Member for Trade Charles Ewoi Lokiyoto.
The officials will co-ordinate operations of the market including ensuring orderly trading, general cleanliness of the market and security of the public property.
The market management committee will provide support to the County Department of Trade in overseeing market operations.
“The first task for the newly elected team is to move back traders to the market tomorrow, and they need your cooperation,” said Lokiyoto.
He thanked the World Food Programme for their support in organizing the market elections, and assured the business community of the County Government’s commitment in ensuring the market operates optimally.
He added that the County department of Trade, in conjunction with WFP, will facilitate induction of the management committee members as well as work out a plan to introduce market days in Turkana West.
The Trade Executive revealed that Sh. 4 million was disbursed in February 2021 to 40 youth and women-led business groups in Kakuma ward under the World Food Programm programme with an aim of helping small scale traders cope with the impact of Covid-19.
Acting Chief Officer of Trade James Lokwale disclosed the County Government’s robust plan to operationalize all county markets by September 2021, and urged stakeholders to support this initiative.
Towo Kayeni market was commissioned in October 2020, as part of the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Programme KISDEP initiative, and operated for two months before traders moved out following leadership wrangles.
Those in attendance were Gideon Ang’elei (Senior Trade Development Officer – Turkana West), Cosmas Taale (Ward Administrator – Kakuma), Samuel Lorisae, Lucas Ekitela & Bernard Elaar (Markets Officers), Daniel Lokatukoi (Revenue Officer), Simon Lokakwaan (Land Administrator), Thomas Chika (WFP Supply Chain Officer), KNCCI & UNHCR officials among others.
By Peter Gitonga
