The Kisumu policies, now consolidated into a document, provide a roadmap to ecosystem actors and entrepreneurs for supporting local producers, enhancing market access, promoting local procurement, and building stronger, more resilient enterprises across Kisumu County.
A partnership for local economic growth
In September 2026, IYBA-SEED Kenya, in partnership with the County Government of Kisumu, joined stakeholders to launch key policy frameworks aimed at strengthening local trade, cooperatives and enterprise development across the county. The policies were officially launched by H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, Governor of Kisumu County, in the presence of H.E. Dr Matthew Ochieng' Owili, Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, and Hon. Farida Salim, County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, Industry and Marketing.
The Kisumu policies have been consolidated into a document now available to all the ecosystem actors and entrepreneurs willing to participate to the economic growth.
Three policies to empower MSMEs, cooperatives and local markets
The launch of the Kisumu County Trade and Markets Policy 2026, the Buy Kisumu, Build Kisumu Local Production and Consumption Policy 2026, and the Kisumu County Cooperative Policy 2026 marks a significant step towards creating a more enabling environment for MSMEs, strengthening cooperatives, improving market systems, and expanding opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Together, these policies provide a roadmap for supporting local producers, enhancing market access, promoting local procurement, and building stronger, more resilient enterprises across Kisumu County.
From policy to practice: a call for implementation
As H.E. Governor Nyong'o noted
"The launch of a policy is the beginning, not the finish line. Our ultimate success now depends entirely on seamless execution."
His remarks underscored the shared commitment of government, development partners, the private sector and entrepreneurs to move beyond policy development and focus on implementation that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and communities.
Kisumu Street Trade Fair brings the vision to life
The launch culminated in the official opening of the Kisumu Street Trade Fair, where MSMEs, traders and local entrepreneurs showcased and sold a wide range of locally produced goods and services. The trade fair demonstrated the vision of the Buy Kisumu Build Kisumu Policy in action by creating opportunities for local businesses to connect with consumers, promote locally made products, and strengthen Kisumu's growing enterprise ecosystem.
