Accra:Turkana The Turkana Chamber of Commerce and the International Labour Organization (ILO) PROSPECTS Programme have initiated discussions with the County Assembly to accelerate the development of legislation and policies that bolster private sector growth.
According to Kenya News Agency, officials from both organizations met with Assembly Speaker Charles Lokiyoto to identify priority bills and policies affecting businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to explore ways of expediting their legislative approval.
Speaker Lokiyoto acknowledged the Chamber’s efforts in enhancing the capacity of the business community and fostering a conducive business environment. He praised their advocacy for supportive legislation but pointed out that financial limitations are hindering the Assembly’s ability to finalize and enact pending bills and policies.
ILO PROSPECTS Enterprise Coordinator Lilyanne Ndinda emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Chamber and the Assembly in advancing policies that aid enterprise development and local business growth. She urged both the Chamber and relevant Assembly committees to jointly identify and prioritize pending legislation and policies impacting businesses.
Key priorities include the Turkana Investment and Cooperation Bill, initiated in 2023, the Turkana ICT Policy, and aligning the Local Content Bill with the national local content policy.
Chamber County Executive Officer Paul Erukudi expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting past joint efforts with the Assembly to educate the business community on pertinent policies and bills. The meeting was also attended by Trade and ICT Committee Chairperson Mike Ewoi, Lobei/Kotaruk MCA Anaclet Lemuya, and Assembly technical staff.
The Chamber and ILO PROSPECTS believe that this collaboration will enhance private sector involvement in policymaking and support legislation that encourages enterprise development and sustainable business growth throughout Turkana County.
