Kenyan and Ugandan governments are actively addressing challenges faced by crossborder traders, among them, poor state of infrastructure and inadequate scanners to support the clearing process to facilitate seamless trade at Busia and Malaba one-stop-border points.

Trade and transportation through the Busia and Malaba border crossings have experienced growth and constant activity through East Africa’s cargo and passenger access points but there has been a constant voice of concern from traders and transporters regarding an increase in delays, long queues and high operational costs associated with obsolete and inapt systems.

Speaking after inspecting the OSBPs at Malaba and Busia, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industries, Lee Kinyanjui and his Uganda counterpart, Gen Wilson Mbasu noted that there is need for urgent intervention to address the issues raised that have led to traffic snarl-ups leading to huge losses as a result of delays which are occasioned by clearing processes.

“We cannot keep letting inefficiencies at our main points of entry hinder operations because every delay results in financial loss for our people. We want to make sure that traders move their goods quickly and predictably,” Kinyanjui said.

The two ministers noted that in order to facilitate trade, regional integration and people-to-people ties, Kenya and Uganda must upgrade the Suam point of entry and exit to a modern one-stop border post to enable border management officers from both countries to share space for faster clearance of human and vehicle traffic.

“When delays persist, the very essence of regional integration is undermined. Uganda and Kenya must act fast to keep trade flowing and protect the livelihoods of our traders,” Gen Mbasu said.

The business community along with regional transport operators are increasing their lobbying efforts for the delay to be lifted, which has been affecting trade competitiveness. In the past, truck drivers used to wait for days to get their consignments cleared and as a result, perishable goods spoiled, and operational costs shot up.

Additionally, East African Community integration goals have been constantly undermined as these issues have not only stalled the flow of goods but their impact is slow and steadily becoming worse.

The completion of Suam one stop border post will provide traders with an alternative clearance point that will reduce procedures and congestion at Malaba and Busia.

Suam one-stop border post will further streamline the security processes and will quicken the movement of manufactured goods, farm products and other vital goods between the two bordering countries.

This points to the fact that the two countries are under one goal of fighting the trade barriers and of working towards the development of the integrated economy of the region.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo and Owen Mutai