Senators Call for Urgent Expansion of Busia Border Point to Boost Cross-Border Trade

The Busia One Stop Border Point (OSBP) has been identified as a vital trade gateway that needs immediate expansion to improve efficiency and support cross-border trade between Kenya and neighbouring countries.

During a fact-finding visit to the facility on Wednesday, members of the Senate Standing Committee on Trade led by Senator Issa Juma Boy (Kwale) urged the government to fast-track plans to expand the busy border point. The lawmakers noted that sufficient land is available for development and that expansion would ease congestion and enhance trade facilitation.

While briefing the Senators, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Manager Mohamed Hussein highlighted several challenges affecting smooth operations at the Busia OSBP. He said the border remains porous with limited capacity to monitor movement and that the current yard accommodates only 40 trucks at a time—far below the daily traffic volume.

“We are grappling with infrastructural constraints, insufficient power supply, and inadequate human resources, all of which continue to hamper daily operations,” said Mr. Hussein.

Representatives of the Kenya Long Distance Drivers Union, led by Richard Makhulo, raised similar concerns over congestion and long delays. He appealed to the Senate to champion the border’s expansion, terming it vital for both trade and safety. Makhulo also urged the Busia County Government to speed up the construction of a trailer park to provide proper facilities for drivers waiting for clearance.

From the freight sector, Stephen Mung’oma, representing clearing and forwarding agents, called for harmonised trade policies and the creation of standard operating procedures between Kenya and Uganda. He suggested that permit approvals be handled directly at border points rather than in Nairobi, saying this would significantly cut waiting times.

Members of the Busia Women Cross Border SACCO, led by Wanjiku Mugo, also voiced their frustrations, saying congestion caused by stationary trucks has disrupted small-scale businesses.

“Our businesses suffer because of the constant traffic snarl-ups. We need a dedicated centre where women traders can operate safely and comfortably,” said Ms. Mugo.

Truck drivers also requested the establishment of a wellbeing centre to cater to their needs as they await clearance.

In response, the Senators assured stakeholders that their concerns would be presented to the relevant government agencies for prompt action.

“We have observed unnecessary delays in clearance at the border. It is unacceptable to take 30 minutes to clear one truck. Such inefficiencies slow down trade and hurt business. We must modernise the process to make it faster and more efficient,” said Senator Issa Juma Boy.

Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) supported the proposal, urging the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to set up wellbeing centres for truck drivers along major trade routes. The lawmakers pledged to engage ministries and agencies to address the challenges affecting the border.

Despite the hurdles, the Busia OSBP continues to perform well financially. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the border generated Sh6.83 billion against a target of Sh5.33 billion, underscoring its crucial role in regional trade.