State Department for Trade Champions County Trade Opportunities at Devolution Conference

The State Department for Trade hosted a vibrant side event during the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, bringing together key stakeholders from both national and county governments and the private sector to explore ways of unlocking county-level trade opportunities.
Held under the theme “Unlocking County Trade Potential by Strengthening Local Value Chains for Inclusive Growth”, the session provided a platform to discuss how counties can leverage their unique resources, value addition and market linkages to spur economic growth.
Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam underscored the immense opportunities for counties to diversify and grow. She noted that fostering a business-friendly environment, simplifying regulations and investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, energy, water, storage facilities and market spaces would be key to unlocking value chains in horticulture, dairy, livestock, fisheries, textiles, tourism, mining, hospitality and other sectors. 
Each of these areas, she said has the potential to stimulate localized growth while contributing to national economic growth.
She affirmed that the national government will continue to provide policy framework for coherent economic planning and investments, support counties with strategic projects and ensure that Kenya’s trade, manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure sectors work in harmony to meet both domestic and international market needs.
The event featured two panel sessions, where panelists shared insights on positioning counties to tap into global markets.
The panels consisted of actors from the national and county government and the private sector including the Kenya National Trading Corporation, the Warehouse Receipt System Council, Kenya National Multi-Commodities Exchange and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance.

The event provided an interactive platform to discuss how trade can be positioned not only as an economic driver but also a tool for reducing inequalities empowering vulnerable groups such a as women and youth and addressing regional disparities.

County representatives shared experiences on the opportunities and challenges they face in strengthening local trade ecosystems while the State Department highlighted national –level initiatives to support them.

The event concluded with a call to action for counties to invest in value chain development, promote local entrepreneurs and take advantage of Kenya's trade agreement to access global markets.