Page 58 - MANDERA-COUNTY- THE 2019 MAGAZINE

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ENTERPRISE REVIVED increased the number of markets by
constructing 15 new modern markets
with 667 stalls, 3 bale shades with a
capacity of 142 stands with a vision to
make Mandera a competitive economy
and investment destination of choice to
achieve sustainable and equitable so-
cio-economic development.
The newly constructed markets have
been built with specifications to meet
extreme weather conditions that char-
acterize the region, greatly playing a
major role in improved trading.
The county has trading centres in sev-
en sub-county headquarters, where
7,800 traders are licensed retailers,
605 traders licensed wholesalers and
four 4,070 licensed businesses in
quarries, small and micro-industries
and business institutions (learning and
health institutions).
The ministry has improved revenue col-
lection due to consistent compliance of
monthly collection of stall rents and Sin-
gle Business Permit compliance.

To unlock the potential of SMEs and
cooperative societies we have carried
capacity building through training and
proper relations for the sectors. This
has greatly impacted traders and co-
operatives in terms of business pro-
cesses, value addition, record-keeping
and prudent financial management.
Mandera has huge resources whose
potential remain largely unexploited for
industrial investments and are used or
exported in raw primary form without
Elwak SME Market.
any value addition.
The ministry is in the process of estab-
lishing small medium fruit processing
plants for value addition to the basic
raw materials. This will include brand-
ing, labelling and packaging to im-
prove market value and export poten-
tial as it is bound to earn more returns
for further reinvestment to create more
Allocation of funding for development amounting to employment opportunities.
Sh1.8 billion has led to improved service delivery both in
trade circles and the cooperative movement in the county Confectionery and drinking water man-
ufacturing industries in major towns is
a clear indication that the county has
he Ministry of Trade, Investment, In- and administration of trade, investments,
dustry and Cooperative Development industrialization and cooperative develop- the potential for an industrial hub. The
Tis on track to deliver on its mandate. ment, has 19 members of staff across the county government is on a mission to
Abdiaziz S. Maad This mandate is derived from the Consti- county for effective and efficient service attract major industries through the
CECM, Trade, tution of Kenya Fourth Schedule (in part), delivery in line with the Governor’s Exec- granting of tax subsidies.
Investment, Intergovernmental Act, the County Govern- utive Order.
Industry and ment Acts and the contentious Executive Co-operative movement at 45 years
Cooperative Order No 3. The ministry has a cooperative officer and With an estimated share capital of over
Development The situation before devolution for sectors trade officers In each sub-county perform- Sh1 million and total savings in bank
under the ministry’s docket was weak and ing core functions. Allocation of Sh1.8 accounts of close to Sh16.5m, the co-
operative movement is on an upward
peripheral in terms of funding, office facil- billion development funding has led to im- trend as it marks 45 years post-estab-
ities and staffing for development. Then proved service delivery in trade circles and lishment of the first Sacco.
the ministry had three members of staff for the cooperative movement in the county. The total assets value for co-operatives
trade and cooperatives and only one office Before devolution, there were five main in the county is approximately Sh13m,
existed in Mandera East sub-county. markets with 315 stalls, five ESP shade with an annual turnover of Sh7.5m, and
The ministry, which is responsible for the before the advent of devolution. The coun- total loans granted to members about
implementation, formulation, coordination ty government through the ministry has
Sh11m by the two conventional Saccos