The Busia One Stop Border Point (OSBP) has been cited as a key trade gateway that urgently requires expansion to improve efficiency and strengthen cross-border trade between Kenya and neighbouring countries.

During a fact-finding visit to the facility this Wednesday, Senators led by the Standing Committee on Trade chaired by Sen. Issa Juma Boy (Kwale) called on the government to initiate immediate plans for the expansion of the border point. The Legislators emphasised that additional space was available for development, which could greatly enhance trade facilitation and ease congestion.

While addressing the visiting Senators, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Manager at the Border Point, Mr. Mohamed Hussein outlined several pressing challenges hindering smooth operations at the busy crossing. He noted that the Busia border remains porous, with limited capacity to effectively monitor movement along the frontier.

He further explained that the current yard can only accommodate 40 trucks at a time, a figure 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,” Mr. Hussein told the Senators.

Representatives of the Kenya Long Distance Drivers Union, led by Mr. Richard Makhulo, echoed similar concerns, decrying the high levels of congestion that often lead to long delays. He appealed to the Senate to champion the expansion of the border point, terming it essential for both trade and safety. Mr. Makhulo further urged the Busia County Government to expedite the construction of a trailer park to provide proper facilities for truck drivers waiting for clearance.

From the freight sector, Mr. Stephen Mung’oma, representing clearing and forwarding agents called for harmonisation of trade policies and the establishment of standard operating procedures between Kenya and Uganda. He suggested that permit approvals should be processed directly at border points instead of Nairobi arguing that this would significantly reduce waiting times and improve efficiency.

Members of the Busia Women Cross Border SACCO, led by Mrs. Wanjiku Mugo lamented that the congestion caused by stationary trucks has adversely affected the operations of small-scale traders. “Our businesses suffer because of the constant traffic snarl ups. We need a dedicated centre where women traders can operate safely and comfortably,” she said. Truck drivers also joined in the appeal, asking for the construction of a wellbeing centre to cater for drivers’ welfare as they await clearance.

In response, the Senators assured the stakeholders that their grievances would be tabled before the relevant government agencies for swift 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 have a negative impact on business. We must modernise the process to make it faster and more efficient,” said Senator Issa Juma Boy (Kwale).

Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) supported the proposal and called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to establish wellbeing centres for truck drivers along major trade routes. The Lawmakers pledged to engage relevant ministries and agencies to resolve the challenges facing the Busia border.

Despite the difficulties highlighted, the Busia OSBP has continued to post impressive revenue performance. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the border generated Ksh. 6.83 billion against a target of Ksh. 5.33 billion demonstrating its key role in regional trade.

The Senators also commended the cordial relationship between Kenya and Uganda at the Busia border, noting that cooperation between the two countries has been stronger compared to other regional border points.

The visiting delegation included Senators Issa Juma (Kwale), Mohamed Abass (Wajir), Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), Okoiti Omtatah (Busia), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), William Kisang’ (Elgeyo Marakwet), Samson Cherarkey (Nandi), Joseph Githuku (Lamu), Mohamed Chute (Marsabit), and Seki Lenku (Kajiado).