Trans nzoia: The inauguration of the Suam One-stop Customs Border Post is anticipated to significantly bolster cooperation among East African nations, according to Dr. Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President. During an inspection tour of government projects in Trans Nzoia County, he emphasized the project's near completion at 95% and its potential to enhance diplomatic relations between Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan once operational.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Owalo, who was accompanied by a high-powered team from the Government Delivery Unit, highlighted that the project is expected to boost trade by facilitating the movement of goods and people between the neighboring countries. He also noted that the security measures will be strengthened with the installation of advanced surveillance systems. The project is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Government of Kenya, with a budget of Sh4.5 billion, and includes significant improvements to the Kitale-Endebess-Suam road, benefiting local farmers.
The project is slated for completion by November 2025, followed by an official commissioning by the Head of State. Dr. Owalo stated, "Major components of the project are over and some are 90 per cent complete. We expect by the end of November 2025 the project to have reached its full completion for commissioning." He added that the border post will streamline the trans-border movement of goods and people, thus enhancing regional trade and benefiting border communities.
In addition to the border post, Dr. Owalo inspected the ongoing construction of a maternal and infant wing at Endebess Sub County Hospital, which aims to elevate the facility to Level 4 status. He praised the workmanship while urging the contractor to expedite the delayed project. The Sh258 million complex, funded by the national government, is expected to improve maternal health and support the government's universal health coverage agenda.
Dr. Owalo emphasized the importance of internet connectivity in government projects to support the digitization of services, stating, "The government is strongly advocating for digitization of services. This will be achieved fully if all government facilities are connected to the fibre optic cable."
Other projects inspected by the team included the Kwanza Technical and Vocational Training Project, which is 76% complete, the Maili Tatu Affordable Housing project with a government allocation of Sh2.7 billion, and Sibanga Market. The tour was attended by Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi and the County Service Delivery Committee led by Engineer Victor Ng'etich.