Kisumu county policy brief

In Kenya, the Kisumu County’s economic development agenda is guided by the Kisumu Trade and Markets Policy 2026, Kisumu Cooperative Policy 2026, and the Buy Kisumu, Build Kisumu Policy 2026, which seek to strengthen local enterprise, improve market governance, support cooperative development, and promote the growth of women- and youth-led businesses. Developed through a consultative process and supported by the IYBA-SEED Project, these policies aim to address longstanding challenges affecting traders, cooperatives, and MSMEs while creating a more enabling environment for business and investment. Complementing these policy frameworks is the proposed Kisumu County Markets Bill 2026, which is currently undergoing the legislative approval process and will provide the legal framework for the development, management, and regulation of markets across the county. Together, these policies and the pending Market Bill represent a shared commitment by the County Government of Kisumu, IYBA-SEED, and key stakeholders to build a more inclusive and sustainable local economy that creates opportunities for businesses to thrive. 

IYBA-SEED is funded by the European Union and the French, German and Slovak governments, and implemented by five agencies: Expertise France (France), Enabel (Belgium), GIZ (Germany), SAIDC (Slovakia) and SNV (the Netherlands). 

Contact nomondi@snv.org