Senator Omtatah Questions Delayed Opening of Muluanda Border Post and Other Busia Projects

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concerns over the government’s delay in operationalizing the Muluanda Border Post in Samia Sub-County, Busia County.

Speaking during the ongoing Senate Mashinani sitting in Busia on Tuesday afternoon, Senator Omtatah said the 16-year delay has hurt trade and economic growth in the region. He noted that the border point, which was declared an official Kenya-Uganda crossing by the late President Mwai Kibaki in 2009 and reaffirmed by President William Ruto in 2023 and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in 2025, remains ungazetted and non-operational.

“The continued dormancy of the Muluanda Border Post is hurting Kenya’s trade position within the East African Community (EAC),” Senator Omtatah said, adding that the facility could boost customs revenue, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure if opened.

He asked the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defense, and Foreign Relations to explain why presidential directives issued in 2009 and 2023 have not been implemented. The Senator also called for details on whether budgetary allocations for the project have been made since the 2009/2010 financial year.

“Mr. Speaker, the National Security Committee should tell us the steps the Government has taken to engage the Ugandan Government regarding boundary alignment and cross-border cooperation for the said border point. They should also explain the county-level planning or budgeting activities put in place to support roads, markets, or utilities around the point,” he said.

Senator Omtatah also raised concerns about the proposed Lake Victoria Ring Road Project, describing it as a potentially transformative infrastructure plan that requires transparency and environmental safeguards. The 487-kilometer road network is expected to connect Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties by circling Lake Victoria and crossing the Yala Swamp.

Originally studied in 1986–87, the project aims to promote eco-tourism, fishing, and trade with Uganda and Tanzania. However, Omtatah urged the Senate Roads Committee to review the updated feasibility study, funding sources, and implementation timelines.

“The Roads Committee should report to this House the extent of consultation with local communities and county governments, including mechanisms to ensure equitable sharing of economic benefits and public participation in any design changes,” said Senator Omtatah.

The Busia Senator further questioned the management of the Busia Green Park Project, which was initially allocated Sh8 million and later reduced to Sh6 million. He said the park, which was meant to serve as the town’s main public recreational space, remains closed to the public despite reports that it is complete.

Omtatah noted that kiosks are now being constructed at the site, while county documents give conflicting information—one stating that the park is complete and another claiming that land has not yet been secured.

He called on the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources to investigate the inconsistencies, saying the matter raises questions about transparency, possible misuse of funds, and the potential loss of public land to private interests.