Category: Business

The annual fish fiesta celebrations go down in Kisumu this weekend with the organisers banking on the event to promote tourism.

Governor Anyang Nyong’o said that the Premiere Signature Event to be held for three days starting on Thursday will celebrate the city’s rich heritage centred around Lake Victoria as the most significant resource.

‘It will not be a mere event but a testament to our collective commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment,” Prof. Nyong’o said in a speech read on his behalf by Farida Salim CECM for Tourism, Trade, and Marketing.

The extravaganza, he said, will begin on Wednesday with a symbolic gesture of his administration’s dedication to a clean and sustainable environment through a clean-up exercise.

This exercise, he added, is an expression of the residents willingness to lead by example and show their love and respect for the natural beauty that surrounds us.

One of the key highlights of the extravaganza will be the engagement in tho
ught-provoking plenary discussions to explore the fish value chain, tourism and economic development, and Lake Victoria as a resource.

‘From production to processing, marketing to consumption, every aspect of the fish value chain plays a vital role in tourism development for our visitors, furthermore, in sustaining livelihoods and driving economic growth,’ the county boss explained.

The Fishing Village exhibition stands, he observed, will be a testament to the rich diversity of aquatic life in Lake Victoria and the ingenuity of its fishermen. It is a showcase of tradition meeting innovation, where ancient fishing techniques coexist with modern sustainability practices.

Prof Nyong’o assured the festivalgoers that the cultural entertainment will mesmerise and delight by showcasing the vibrant rhythms, melodies,and dances that are an integral part of our heritage.

Other sumptuous activities lined up to celebrate beauty, talent, and the youth’s resilience will include the adrenaline boat races, Mr and Miss To
urism, Mr and Miss Flex, and Mr and Miss Strong.

To define the local community, Luo Traditional Wrestling will be a marquee showpiece to exhibit the strength, skill, and spirit of sportsmanship.

‘As we marvel at the legendary snake, Omieri, let us remember the ancient tales and wisdom it embodies, connecting to our folklore and environmental heritage,” Nyong’o said adding that it reminds us of the delicate balance between humans and nature, urging us to be mindful stewards of our surroundings.

The Grand Fiesta will offer a breathtaking display of fireworks, illuminating the sky and symbolising the spirit of hope and unity.

He thanked the organisers, sponsors, participants, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the festival a reality. He further urged all media representatives to cover this exciting event and help in sharing the stories, experiences, and achievements that will unfold.

‘Through the Grand Fish Fiesta, we aim to not only celebrate Lake Victoria and the Fish Value Chain but also
promote sustainable tourism, economic empowerment, and culture within our community and beyond,”Prof Nyong’o clarified.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Elgeyo Marakwet County has commissioned a Sh50 million fresh produce market in Iten town. This milestone project aims to boost economic activities in the area and accommodate the burgeoning business community.

The newly constructed market, boasting multiple stories, will not only be a hub for fresh produce but also offer convenient parking space capable of accommodating at least 60 vehicles simultaneously.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich, emphasised the significance of the market in the context of the ‘Presidential bottom-up economic model.’

‘This is part of the presidential bottom-up economic model. Every hustler doing business will be accommodated in this market,’ Governor Rotich declared, addressing the gathered residents.

The Iten new market is designed to host up to 600 business operators, providing them a conducive environment to ply their trade.

Additionally, Governor Rotich announced plans by the Ministry of Housing to replicate similar modern mar
kets in Chepkorio, Kapcherop, and Kapyego centres, further stimulating economic growth across the county.

Highlighting the broader vision for Iten, Governor Rotich underscored the town’s potential beyond commerce. ‘Iten Town, a sports powerhouse, will realise other development projects, including establishing an information technology (ICT) centre,’ he stated.

However, Governor Rotich also pointed out challenges hindering development, urging conservative plot owners to embrace change and relinquish possession to facilitate progress.

‘This town has stagnated because of some individual plot owners who have decided to make land so dear to their hearts,’ Governor Rotich remarked, urging for a generational transition in property management.

Moreover, Governor Rotich directed attention to the need for improvement in the management of Matatu Transport Saccos in Iten, calling for enhanced services to uplift the town’s reputation.

‘The only embarrassment that we have in town is the management of Matatu Stage,’ he
stated, urging for professionalism and competitiveness among transport providers.

County Woman MP Caroline Ng’elechei emphasised the importance of community amenities within the market.

‘I hope the modern market will not only have a mothers’ space for breastfeeding but will also have a shower room where market women can enjoy a hot shower after work,’ she remarked, emphasising inclusivity and convenience.

Local representatives, including Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai and Kapchemutwo MCA Stephen Cheruiyot, echoed the sentiment of community involvement in the project.

MP Kipsanai urged the project contractor to prioritise local employment and sourcing of materials, while MCA Cheruiyot advocated for consolidation of markets and public transport stages for efficiency.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS), Mithika Linturi, has announced that Kenya will sign miraa deal with Somalia next month on May 8, to ensure steady economic benefits and provide a legal framework for the khat trade.

Mr. Linturi noted that the cash crop is the backbone of the economy in Meru, which contributes significantly to the livelihood of many residents in the county.

The CS was speaking at Thamare Primary School in Igembe Central Sub-county during the burial of the two daughters of the Deputy Speaker of Meru County Assembly and Njia Ward member of the County Assembly, Ali Mwenda, who were involved in a grisly road accident on April 2, which claimed the lives of the two angels and left their father on a wheelchair.

Linturi was flanked by the Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Kathuri Murungi, former Meru County Governor, Peter Munya; Igembe Central Member of Parliament, Dan Kiili; Meru County Deputy Governor, Mutua M’Ethingia; and several members of the Meru County Assembly, amo
ng other dignitaries.

The CS promised the residents that the Kenya Kwanza government is ready to support the cash crop fully and safeguard their interests.

The Meru County Senator and the Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Kathuri Murungi, urged NACADA to give miraa a clean bill of health as a cash crop, so as to benefit the residents who solely rely on the crop for livelihood.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has assured contractors and suppliers that the county government is committed to clearing all pending Bills.

He says the current administration inherited pending bills of over Sh1.4 billion from the previous regime. Meanwhile, Savula says they have managed to pay Sh900 million, with the process continuing until they clear all bills owed by the county government.

He noted that the county government has resolved to pay at least Sh100 million every month to clear the debts. The Deputy Governor also disclosed that the county reports to the Senate the progress made in clearing the bills, the amount cleared, and the remaining amount.

‘We ask traders in Kakamega to continue carrying on with their businesses,’ he pointed out. He asked suppliers and contractors to be free to visit the county government, engage with the governor and deputy governor concerning their pending bills, and seek clarification on the same.

Speaking in Ikolomani, Savula urged the teachers he was meeting
to also engage in other income generating activities like businesses to supplement their monthly income. The county government is ready to support teachers in their business ventures, aiming to improve their lives through their support.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has affirmed the government’s commitment to support those engaged in various artisan works.

Chelugui on Monday divulged that plans are underway to establish various apps to help in marketing products of artisans in the country.

He noted that through digital marketing, products of artisans will attract buyers across the globe saying this will uplift livelihoods of the artisans.

The CS was speaking during Kigumo basket weavers’ expo and fundraiser, an event that was organised by nominated senator Veronica Maina.

He said the artisans need to form cooperatives so as to access financial assistance from the government, saying farmers especially those in coffee, dairy and avocado are getting a huge boost from government funds.

‘I am pleased to see the products of the weavers from this area. The baskets are of high quality and what is needed is just to market the products online. The government is establishing various marketing apps where the artisans will
upload their products to seek local and international buyers,’ he noted.

Chelugui who was accompanied by his gender and land counterparts, Aisha Jumwa and Alice Wahome respectively noted that by joining cooperatives, the artisans will also have opportunities to access various government funds.

‘The government has various funds aimed at supporting youth and women. I urge the weavers to form a cooperative and apply for financing from the Women Enterprise Fund or from the Uwezo Fund. This support will ensure they produce high-quality products to meet international standards,’ he added.

The CS further noted that through other agencies like Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA) and the Hustler Fund, the government is committed to promoting MSMES through funding, training and capacity building as part of the Bottom Up Economic Transmission Agenda (BETA).

His sentiments were echoed by Jumwa, who said the Uwezo fund is meant to uplift the livelihoods
of women and asked the women who have majored in weaving to source financial support from the fund.

The gender CS observed that her ministry has also developed Sanaa App to help various women groups market their products.

Marketing via the internet, Jumwa noted, is more profitable as the mode locks out brokers in the value chain.

‘The important factor is to help our women access markets without being exploited by middlemen. The ministry of gender has already developed the Sanaa app to help those engaged in artisanal work market their products,’ she added.

Jumwa further said the ministry is working to ensure funds are allocated in the next national budget to assist women groups in accessing raw materials for making their products.

Availability of materials, she observed, will prevent the women from using low-quality materials leading to production of goods of poor quality.

Lands CS on her part lauded the event organised by the nominated senator saying the expo will greatly impact the economy at grassroot
s as it directly involves empowering women who practice weaving so that they can find market for their products locally and internationally.

Wahome promised to source funds for completion of two markets in Kigumo namely Muthithi and Kangari so as to promote trading activities in the area.

The nominated senator said that her target is to see women’s products marketed, saying the members have been weaving quality baskets for many years without better gains.

Ms Maina said the money raised in the event will go a long way towards helping the members of the group whose majority are elderly and face challenges in accessing raw materials to make the baskets.

Source: Kenya News Agency