Members of the National Assembly’s Regional Integration Committee have toured Busia and Malaba borders to foster regional cooperation between East African Community member states.
Led by Fafi MP Farah Salah Yakub, the committee conducted an inspection of the two border points to establish opportunities, gains and challenges faced at the posts.
The committee engaged with officials from Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the administration of both county and national governments on approaches that will foster trade in the EAC.
“Regional cooperation is paramount for the development of the East African Community,” Yakub said.
The team sought discussed measures that can be embraced to widen the scope of trade.
Discussions included the use of smart gates and advanced scanning machines to address heavy traffic witnessed at Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Points.
The committee was later led by Busia county commissioner Kipchumba Ruto to inspect 70 acres of land where Sh2 billion modern market will be constructed by KRA and TMEA to expand business operations.
The committee also inspected the Malaba trailer park. The committee was informed that Malaba generates Sh5 billion per year.
On Thursday, the committee will tour the Lake Victoria Basin Commission and Isebania border on an oversight mission.
Present during the tour were Christopher Wangaya Aseka (Khwisero), Beatrice Chepngeno Kemei (Kericho Women Rep), Richard Kipkemoi Yegon (Bomet East) and Rachael Kasiwai (West Pokot Woman Rep).