Lamu County is drafting a trade and investment policy to help local firms take full advantage of the potential of the Lamu Port and Lamu-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport.

The policy is based on making it easy to do business, eliminating bureaucracy and improving efficiency to facilitate trade and domestic investment.

The county executive for trade and industrialisation Josephat Musembi said the county guide is being developed through a one-stop-shop portal housing regulatory processes and investment opportunities local investors need to know.

Speaking at the launch of Fadhili Micro-Enterprises Ltd Branch in Mpeketoni in Lamu west, Musembi said the Lamu port is a big plus for trade and industry in the county.

Plans were on to ensure businesses make the most of it.

He said traders and youth are essential for the success of trade and industrialisation.

“Countless milestones drive a thriving trade environment,” Musembi said.

He cited the installation of security lights throughout the county, construction of markets and the rehabilitation or modernisation of old retail markets, the opening up of rural roads, or cabro paving of towns and markets.

He said the the Ministry of Youth and Gender will soon start sending cheques to youth, women and people with disabilities to stimulate trade and entrepreneurship.

Musembi said the opening of 14 satellite polytechnics across the county will give young people competitive skill sets for industrial development.

“All this is in line with the Lamu port so that as a county we get to benefit the most from the Lamu port. We are ensuring people get the skill set and funding to make that happen,” Musembi said.

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