Senators Push for Expansion of Busia Border Infrastructure to Boost Regional Trade
Senators have called for urgent expansion of the Busia One Stop Border Point (OSBP), citing its pivotal role in regional trade and growing inefficiencies caused by congestion and inadequate infrastructure. During a fact-finding visit on Wednesday, members of the Senate Standing Committee on Trade, led by Chairperson Senator Issa Juma Boy (Kwale), urged the national government to initiate immediate plans to modernise and enlarge the facility, noting that additional land is available for development.
Officials stationed at the border raised several challenges facing the crucial trade gateway. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Border Manager Mohamed Hussein told legislators that the OSBP, despite its importance, can only accommodate 40 trucks at a time—far below the daily traffic volume. He cited porous border points, limited surveillance capacity, insufficient power supply, and understaffing as persistent obstacles. Representatives from the Kenya Long Distance Drivers Union, led by Richard Makhulo, echoed the concerns, pointing to heavy congestion that causes long delays. The union appealed for the construction of a long-awaited trailer park and additional welfare amenities for drivers. Freight agents, represented by Stephen Mung’oma, also called for harmonised Kenya–Uganda operating procedures and on-site permit processing to speed up clearance.
Women traders at the border highlighted the social and economic impact of stalled trucks, saying prolonged snarl-ups disrupt their businesses and compromise safety. Busia Women Cross Border SACCO chairperson Wanjiku Mugo urged lawmakers to push for a dedicated trading centre to support small-scale traders. In response, Senators pledged to escalate the concerns to relevant national agencies. Senator Issa Boy criticised slow clearance times—sometimes taking 30 minutes per truck—insisting that such inefficiencies undermine trade across the region. Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) called on KeNHA to establish wellbeing centres along major transport corridors as part of a broader plan to improve driver welfare.
Despite the operational difficulties, the Busia OSBP remains a top performer, having generated Ksh 6.83 billion in revenue in the 2024/2025 financial year, surpassing its target of Ksh 5.33 billion. The Senators also praised the strong Kenya–Uganda cooperation at the border, noting that it is among the most coordinated in the region. The high-level delegation included Senators Issa Juma Boy, Mohamed Abass, Fatuma Dullo, Okoiti Omtatah, Wahome Wamatinga, William Kisang’, Samson Cherarkey, Joseph Githuku, Mohamed Chute, and Seki Lenku.