Kenya fast-tracks Suam Border Post construction to boost trade with Uganda
The Suam OSBP, a joint initiative by Kenya and Uganda, is designed to centralise operations such as immigration, customs, security, and sanitary inspections.
The Kenyan government is fast-tracking the construction of the Suam One Stop Border Post (OSBP) in Endebess Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, to ease cross-border movement and boost trade between Kenya and Uganda.
The project, which also includes expanding the 45-kilometre Suam-Kitale road, is set to enable joint operations by border officials from both countries, ensuring quicker clearance of people and goods while fostering regional integration.
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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who visited the Suam border on Tuesday, assessed the progress of the project and reaffirmed the government's commitment to its timely completion.
He highlighted the importance of Kenya-Uganda trade, noting that Uganda is Kenya's largest trading partner.
"Trade between Kenya and Uganda is extremely crucial for the government and the people of Kenya because much of our regional trade is generated in the business interactions between ourselves and our brothers and sisters from Uganda," Kindiki said.
Suam Point of entry and exit in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County. (DPCS)
The Suam OSBP, a joint initiative by Kenya and Uganda, is designed to centralise operations such as immigration, customs, security, and sanitary inspections.
This will allow border officials from both countries to work together in one location, ensuring seamless clearance processes.
The DP explained the benefits of this setup during his visit to assess the project's progress.
"This border post will allow Kenyan and Ugandan officials to sit at the same desk, making it easier for people and goods to cross the border. Trade between Kenya and Uganda is crucial, and this facility will cement our economic and social ties," Kindiki said.
He also confirmed that Uganda had made significant progress and is nearly ready for the facility's commissioning.
"We came to assess on the Kenyan side what has been done and what remains so that we can prepare for the commissioning of the project by the two heads of state at an appropriate time to be announced but hopefully very soon," Kindiki added.
SUAM, TRANS NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) January 7, 2025
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025
Uganda is Kenya’s biggest trading partner.
To facilitate trade, regional integration and people-to-people ties, the Government is upgrading Suam Point of Entry/ Exit to a modern One Stop Border Post (OSBP) to enable… pic.twitter.com/YGNFfv20dT
The project involves the construction of modern terminal buildings and supporting facilities designed to streamline operations at the border.
Once completed, the Suam OSBP will enhance trade efficiency, reduce delays, and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The upgraded road connecting Suam to Kitale is also expected to boost accessibility and improve the movement of goods and people across the region.
The Suam border post, funded by the African Finance Development Bank and supported by China State Engineering Construction Corporation, will centralise immigration, Customs, security, and sanitary inspections, improving efficiency in transporting and clearing goods.
Boosting regional growth
The project also includes upgrading the Suam-Bukwo-Kapchorwa road, which aims to modernise the Suam crossing, boost the local economy, and alleviate congestion at the primary Busia and Malaba border facilities.
The upgraded post will bring together immigration, customs, security, and sanitation checks in one central location.
A signage for custom check. (DPCS)
According to Kindiki, the development of infrastructure and border towns is critical to fostering people-to-people interactions and strengthening cultural and familial ties between the two nations.
"This is about trade, but it's also about relationships. The two countries share linguistic, cultural, and family connections that will be enhanced by this project," he said.
To support the OSBP, the government is addressing logistical challenges, including the construction of staff houses for border officials.
DP Kindiki revealed that 50 acres of land from the Kenya Forest Service have been earmarked for this purpose, and work is set to begin soon.
The Suam OSBP and accompanying infrastructure projects are expected to be completed within the next few months.
Once operational, the facility will position Suam as a key trading hub and further solidify Kenya and Uganda's economic partnership.
