In a bid to reduce congestion at the Busia and Malaba One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), the East African Community (EAC) has joined forces with the Republics of Kenya and Uganda to upgrade the Lwakhakha border post into a modern OSBP.
The transformation is expected to streamline customs procedures, reduce clearance times, and enhance collaboration between border agencies from both countries.
The upgrade, part of a larger 256km feasibility study funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce, ultimately benefiting businesses and communities on both sides of the border.
The project is seen as a key milestone in fostering cross-border cooperation between Kenya and Uganda, and promoting regional integration in East Africa.
Speaking during a site visit to review the status of the ongoing feasibility study, Eng. Godfrey A. Enzama, Principal Civil Engineer at the EAC Secretariat, said that the upgrading of the Lwakhakha border post into an OSBP is a collaborative effort between the EAC, Kenya, and Uganda.
“This collaborative effort underscores the shared vision of promoting trade facilitation, border security, and regional integration in East Africa,” said Eng. Enzama.
The upgrade is expected to reduce traffic congestion at the Malaba and Busia OSBPs, boost trade along the Northern Corridor, and improve cross-border security.
The Lwakhakha border post, located on the common border between Kenya and Uganda, is strategically positioned to provide an alternative route for trade and commerce, reducing the reliance on the busy Busia and Malaba border crossings.
The feasibility study includes upgrading the existing 25km Lwakhakha – Kimaeti road and the 45km Mbale (Bumbobi) – Lwakhakha Road to a two-lane, two-way single carriageway status, with wide shoulders, to enhance capacity and accommodate current and anticipated future local and cross-border traffic volumes along the corridor.
The project is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including the promotion of high-value exports to regional markets, increased employment among border community youth, and the opening of new opportunities for tourism.
With its completion, the Lwakhakha OSBP is poised to play a significant role in deepening regional integration and cross-border trade between Kenya and Uganda.
