Busia: The Senate Committee on Trade has urged the expansion of the Busia One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) to alleviate congestion and boost cross-border trade. The call follows a visit to the OSBP by senators, led by Kwale Senator Issa Boy Juma, who highlighted the challenges faced at the border post.
According to Kenya News Agency, Senator Juma noted that stakeholders and border users have raised concerns about poor road conditions and harassment from the neighboring side. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure, including a modern parking yard to accommodate more trailers, as the current facility holds only 40 trucks. Juma mentioned that the Kenya Revenue Authority indicated available land for such developments and stressed the importance of improving health departments to safeguard border counties during pandemic outbreaks.
Uasin Gishu County Senator Jackson Mandago urged the Busia County Government to complete the trailer park to generate revenue from border activities. He pointed out that border business involves multiple countries and highlighted the importance of adhering to East African tax agreements, emphasizing that Kenya is a significant beneficiary of the trade conducted through the border.
Nandi Senator Samson Kiprotich Cherargey addressed the need for improved infrastructure for efficient service delivery at the border. He highlighted current issues, including a parking area limited to 40 trucks and a clearance waiting time of 30 minutes, which hinder free trade in Africa. Cherargey advocated for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence to enhance scanning processes, reduce queues, and improve disease surveillance and control.
Senator Cherargey also revealed discrepancies in parking fee collections, with trucks reportedly paying fees despite the County Government's claim of non-collection. He called for harmonization and operationalization of all border points, including Mulwanda, to enhance clearance and efficiency.
Joseph Okhanga, Chairman of Clearing and Forwarding, Busia Kenya, stressed the urgent need for customs space expansion. He urged the completion of the County Government's trailer park to increase revenue collection.
The senators are in Busia for a week-long visit, conducting plenary meetings and inspecting various government projects under the 'Senate Mashinani' program.