Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has begun lobbying traders to tap into opportunities offered by next week's devolution conference.
He said small-scale businesses should be able to showcase and sell their products to the over 6,000 visitors expected in Kakamega for the four-day event beginning April 23.
"Those in the hospitality industry, vegetable vendors, fish mongers and dairy farmers must prepare to mint money during the conference because we shall have many visitors around."
He said the event would not only translate into economic gain but also help residents develop and establish networks and markets for their produce.
“We look forward to hosting the conference and hoteliers must offer their best services to make our guests comfortable," he said.
Kakamega County Hoteliers Association chairman William Owuya said there were still a few beds yet to be filled in some hotels.
“Most hotels are booked but we still have a sizeable number of rooms available,” said Mr Owuya.
Matatu operators and small-scale traders were optimistic that business would pick during the conference to be held at Kakamega High School.