By Mildred Adhiambo and Yoga David
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o on Monday received Dr Catoline Karugu, the Principal Secretary for the State Department and her team, for talks on plans to establish Jumuiya Markets in urban centres starting with Kisumu as the pilot city.
The meeting held at City Hall, focused on how Kisumu can position itself as a regional trade hub. Also present was County Trade Minister Farida Salim, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga and Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo amongst other officials from the state department and county government of Kisumu.
The closed door session set the stage for a feasibility and market assessment study that will guide the rollout of the Jumuiya initiative.
While addressing the members of the press the Governor said “We want to understand where our traders source their goods, where they sell and how best to support them through policy.” He added “ This visit is the start of a deeper conversation”
Dr Karugu on her first official development visit since assuming office said Kisumu’s strategic location made it a natural launch point.
“Kisumu connects Uganda and Tanzania via Lake Victoria and has the infrastructure to become the Dubai of East Africa,” she said.
The Jumuiya Markets initiative aims to boost intra-East African trade by exposing local traders to regional markets. Building their capacity and easing access to cross border trade information.
The first phase will involve identifying traders, training them on EAC protocols and taking them on trade exposure trips to cities like Kigali and Dar es Salaam.
“We are targeting 200 to 300 traders for the pilot depending on what the study reveals,” Dr Karugu said.
She noted. ‘They’ll receive training on rules of origin, EAC treaties and available market opportunities’
Access to credit was also a priority. The PS confirmed ongoing talks with financial institutions and telco to support traders with financing, in addition to existing with the county level initiatives.
The findings of the Kisumu feasibility study, expected within a month, will help determine which of the county’s markets, including Kibuye, Uhuru and Jubilee will be part of the pilot phase.
The initiative will also be aligned with the County’s Aggregation and industrial parks programme to boost regional trade linkages.
