Busia County Under Spotlight for Delayed Infrastructure and Regional Trade Hurdles
Busia County is once again in the national spotlight following growing concerns over stalled infrastructure projects and rising obstacles affecting regional trade. Businesses, transport operators, and cross-border traders have raised alarm over deteriorating roads, persistent drainage problems, and slow progress on key public works that directly impact the movement of goods between Kenya and Uganda. As the rainy season approaches, fears are mounting that the already strained transport corridors could become impassable, disrupting commerce in one of East Africa’s busiest border regions.
For years, Busia has positioned itself as the gateway to East and Central Africa, hosting thousands of traders and long-distance trucks daily. However, delays in road rehabilitation, sluggish implementation of drainage systems, and incomplete upgrade works at crucial access points have heightened frustrations among stakeholders. Transporters report frequent breakdowns due to poor road conditions, while traders cite increased operational costs caused by slow traffic flow, unexpected detours, and prolonged clearance times. County officials have acknowledged some challenges but attribute the setbacks to budget constraints and procurement delays.
The situation has sparked criticism from local leaders, business associations, and civil society groups, who argue that inefficiencies in project execution are undermining Busia’s economic potential. Many believe the county risks losing its competitive edge to faster-growing border towns if urgent action is not taken. Stakeholders are now calling for accelerated completion of delayed projects, improved transparency in infrastructure spending, and stronger collaboration between the county and national government agencies. With the region’s economy heavily reliant on seamless cross-border trade, residents warn that continued inaction could jeopardize livelihoods and slow down broader regional integration efforts.