Nairobi: Hundreds of residents turned up to access crucial government services during the third phase of the Gava Mashinani initiative in Lopur Ward, Turkana West Sub-County. The programme uses the outreach model to avail scores of government services at grassroots locations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise is supported by the IKEA Foundation through the LIFT-NK programme and implemented by BOMA via the Kakuma Biashara Huduma Centre. Michael Musyoki, the centre's Manager, stated that the initiative provides streamlined access to vital business services for both refugees and host community members. The programme addresses service gaps by offering a one-stop service point for business registration and compliance for small and medium enterprises.
Musyoki noted that people can now acquire business permits and licenses more easily, enabling them to comply with revenue requirements and grow their ventures. BOMA's Gava Mashinani Programme Manager, Chris Sunday, emphasized that the mobile nature of the initiative helps overcome logistical barriers in remote regions by bringing services directly to the people, especially in areas where distance has long been a challenge.
Lopur Assistant Chief Jamas Ekomwa welcomed the initiative, highlighting how it has expanded access to critical documents such as birth certificates, ID cards, and Social Health Authority (SHA) registration. Ekomwa explained that with these services now available locally, the community can better compete for government programmes and opportunities.
The Gava Mashinani programme continues to reach underserved areas in Turkana, supporting both development and inclusion through mobile service delivery. Additionally, County Government officials used the programme to offer line services in registration, public health, weights and measures, revenue, and liquor licensing to sensitize the general public on areas of their service lines.