Mandates and Functions
The core mandate of the Department as derived from the executive order is implemented through its three main Divisions: -Trade, Energy and Industrialization.
1. The Division of Trade
This is one of the key divisions in the Department with the mandate of facilitating trade, investment and public private sector development through identification of opportunities, development of innovative investment policy frameworks, enforcing fair trade practices, promotion of trade opportunities, retail and wholesale markets, export promotion, Trade Negotiations and Advisory services, Entrepreneurship and Business Management training. In order to effectively perform the aforementioned functions, the division is divided into two sections namely Trade and Enterprise Development and
2. Weights and Measures.
The Departments has enforced fair trade practices and consumer protection in the County through sensitization for a, calibration of standards and verification and stamping of weighing and measuring equipment. It has also sensitized traders on County Trade loan, business and loan management, book keeping among other business areas.
The Department is currently Constructing Kamukuywa Market, renovating Chwele Market and fencing of Kipsigon market to provide a conducive business environment for traders.
3. The Division of Energy
The energy division is charged with the responsibility of spearheading rural electrification and promoting the adoption of alternative energy sources through hydropower development, green energy exploration and development in a bid to spur economic development in rural areas, reduce energy costs and extend hours of operation. The division therefore strives to increase electricity connectivity to market centers, schools, health centers and rural homes using renewable and clean sources of energy.
The Department has installed lights on various markets, shopping centres and streets ranging from Solar, grid and high flood lights with the intention of enhancing security and increasing business working hours for traders. The Department also procured a Cherry Pick-Up that has made routine repair and maintenance of the installed lights more efficient.
The Department is in the process of installing transformers across the County in Partnership with REREC. Repair and maintenance is ongoing, it is a continuous activity in the Department.
4. The Division of Industry
This division is important in employment creation and promotion of innovation among the youths in Bungoma County. As such, the division is mandated to provide an enabling environment for private sector led industrial development in the County by promoting resource-based industries, Equally, the division encourages sustainable creativity and innovation to continually improve production processes and quality of products. Finally, the division is expected to encourage effective development of industrial human resource and specific skills for industry to enhance competitiveness.
The Department is constructing a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Sang’alo with the main objective of growing manufacturing and investments through Agro-Industries and enhancing competitiveness of agriculture sector in a sustainable manner hence creating inclusive decent jobs, increase farmers’ income; Increase foreign exchange, provide platform where farmers, processors, exporters, researchers institutions, industrial bodies and Government can engage for agro-industrial development.