Lwakhakha Border Post Upgrade to Reduce Congestion at Busia, Malaba

The East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with Kenya and Uganda, is upgrading the Lwakhakha border post on their shared border to a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). This initiative aims to reduce congestion at the Busia and Malaba OSBPs.

Transforming Lwakhakha into an OSBP seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce clearance times for goods and vehicles, and enhance cooperation between border agencies from both countries. This upgrade is expected to alleviate traffic from Malaba and Busia OSBPs, boost trade along the Northern Corridor, and improve cross-border security.

The EAC's commitment to fostering cross-border cooperation is evident in this project. By implementing the OSBP concept at Lwakhakha, Kenya and Uganda aim to create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce, benefiting businesses and communities on both sides of the border.

During a site visit to review the ongoing feasibility study of the Multinational Kisumu-Kisian-Busia/Kakira-Malaba-Busitema-Busia Expressway, Eng. Godfrey A. Enzama, the Principal Civil Engineer at the EAC Secretariat, represented the EAC Secretary Veronica Nduva. Eng. Enzama stated that upgrading the Lwakhakha border post into an OSBP is part of a 256km feasibility study funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

“This collaborative effort underscores the shared vision of promoting trade facilitation, border security, and regional integration in East Africa,” said Eng. Enzama.

He further noted that elevating Lwakhakha to an OSBP and diverting some trucks there will alleviate congestion at Busia and Malaba while providing a shorter and alternative route along the Northern Corridor.

“Geographically, Lwakhakha is a shorter route to Kenya compared to Busia and Malaba in terms of mileage,” he added.

Promoting Lwakhakha to an OSBP is expected to enhance value addition, promote high-value exports to regional markets, and increase employment among the youth in the border communities.

The feasibility study includes upgrading the existing 25km Lwakhakha-Kimaeti road (Kenya side) and the 45km Mbale (Bumbobi)-Lwakhakha road (Uganda side) to at least a two-lane, two-way single carriageway with wide shoulders to accommodate current and future traffic volumes.

The road upgrade is anticipated to deepen regional integration and cross-border trade between Kenya and Uganda, offering an alternative route to the Busia and Malaba crossings, and is projected to boost tourism.