Traders to benefit from Sh368m

Mandera Governor Ali Roba photo:courtesy

The county has launched a five-year trade development fund to facilitate entrepreneurship and strengthen small businesses.

Governor Ali Roba (below) yesterday offered Sh368 million to support the majority small and medium enterprises.

Out of the total Sh50 million has been set aside for the financial year 2019/20 to kicks start the fund that will run up to year 2023.

“The fund will go a long way in helping our families engage youth in constructive activities and deter them from joining radical groups,” said governor Roba adding the loans would be repaid without interests.

 Mr Roba urged the potential beneficiaries to take advantage of the county’s position to tap into the cross-border trade with Ethiopia and Somalia so as to expand markets for their local products and create more jobs in the export sector.

 “We are in partnership with the national government to lobby for the reopening of the border between Kenya and Somalia that was closed down in 2014,” he added.

The county’s trade department is expected to train traders and the youth on the available business opportunities with good returns for sustainability of the revolving fund.

Roba directed the fund’s custodian to be transparent is awarding of the fund so that only deserving cases get the loans.

“You do not have to know the governor, an MCA or a minister to qualify for the fund. All applications will be treated fairly and priority given on merit,” Roba said.