More than 1,500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in West Pokot and Turkana counties have received over Sh290 million in loans from the Impact for Northern Kenya Fund, an investment vehicle backed by USAID Kuza.
The $30 million fund, which lends catalytic capital to financial institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), operates as a USAID program-related investment vehicle. It supports clients that are pivotal drivers of economic and social growth.
Since 2022, the Fund has been engaged with enterprises in West Pokot and Turkana, reaching over 1,265 MSMEs in West Pokot with loans exceeding $1.67 million (Sh233 million). Additionally, 280 MSMEs in Turkana County have benefited from loans totalling over $419,000 (Sh58.7 million).
This achievement was highlighted at the Turkana and West Pokot County Investment Conference held in Lodwar, Turkana County, last week.
Wyanie Bright, the Chief of Party for USAID Kuza, emphasised their dedication to collaborating with local communities to enhance entrepreneurship, bolster local industries, and fortify market systems.
“Through our Fund, we have financed over 1,500 enterprises in West Pokot and Turkana counties, who have in turn created over 2,000 new jobs in these counties,” Bright said, highlighting the significance of providing the private sector with suitable and accessible capital to foster enduring sustainability and self-sufficiency within the area.
The Turkana & West Pokot County Investment Conference, themed “Unveiling Opportunities: Redefining Northern Kenya,” attracted 300 investors, entrepreneurs, officials, and partners. The attendees focused on unlocking investment potential, highlighting climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, livestock value-addition, and tourism as key areas of interest.
READ: Kenya launches climate-smart agri-food investment
Discussions on climate-resilient agricultural techniques were held, covering sustainable farming methods, irrigation initiatives, post-harvest value addition, and strategies for enhancing livestock productivity through selective breeding and commercialisation.
Climate change has historically threatened Kenya’s food security, compounded by stagnant productivity amid rapid population growth. With agriculture employing over 75% of the population, low productivity contributes to poverty, health issues, and conflict.
Addressing the conference, Dr. John Erus, Turkana County’s Deputy Governor, emphasised the abundant energy investment opportunities. With ample sunshine, wind, and geothermal resources, Turkana is poised to become a green energy hub, supporting the nation’s goal of transitioning to clean energy by 2030.
On his part, Robert Komolle, Deputy Governor of West Pokot County, highlighted tourism’s potential for economic transformation. He urged investors to consider building tourist facilities.
The conference stressed sustainable conservation and community involvement in leveraging cultural heritage for growth.
USAID Kuza plans to host additional County Investment Conferences targeting Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Garissa, Lamu, Mandera, Tana River, and Wajir Counties.
