Kakuma: The County Department of Trade, Cooperatives, Youth, and Gender Affairs, in partnership with IFC and UNHCR, is assessing the operational status of the Biashara-Huduma Centre in Kakuma municipality. This initiative, supported by IFC through a matching grant with the county government, aims to provide essential government services to both refugees and the local host community.
According to Kenya News Agency, Roseline Aite, County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Cooperatives, Gender, and Youth Affairs, emphasized the centre’s sustainability, which aids businesses through advisory services, training, and mentorship. Aite noted that business owners, who previously had to travel long distances, will now experience reduced time and financial constraints due to the facility’s services.
Aite also reiterated the county government’s dedication to maintaining the project and considering additional budget allocations to improve service delivery. Sateesh Nanduri, Head of the UNHCR Kakuma Sub-office, highlighted the necessity of expanding the initiative to enhance refugee access to government services, which is crucial as integration with the host community continues. Nanduri stressed the centre’s importance in fostering market connections and facilitating access to essential business information for refugees.
Pauline Tangarae, Chief Officer for Trade and Cooperatives, praised the centre for bringing government services closer to the community and incorporating commercial activities that generate additional income.