Senate flags poor working conditions, staff shortage at Busia One Stop Border Post
The MPs pointed out that the main access road leading into the border post is extremely narrow, forcing officers to clear trucks one at a time, which causes long queues and delays.
The Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration has raised concerns over the challenging working conditions at the Busia One Stop Border Post, a vital trade hub linking Kenya and Uganda that collects billions of shillings in revenue every year.
During an inspection on Tuesday, the committee, led by Chairperson Mohamed Said Chute, found that the facility is struggling with insufficient staff and crumbling infrastructure, both of which are slowing operations and putting pressure on officers responsible for clearing a high volume of traffic daily.
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The MPs pointed out that the main access road leading into the border post is extremely narrow, forcing officers to clear trucks one at a time, which causes long queues and delays.
They recommended widening the road to create multiple lanes to speed up the clearance process and make operations smoother.
Parking at the facility is also limited, adding to congestion and making it harder for trucks and other vehicles to navigate the area.
The committee noted that the post currently has only seven officers, far fewer than the approved 20, leaving staff overstretched and struggling to maintain efficiency.
The medical unit is similarly under-resourced, with only four nurses and two clinical officers available to handle health needs.
Senators further raised alarm over the harsh conditions under which staff operate. Many officers work outdoors, exposed to cold, rain, and dust without adequate protective gear.
Several cases of pneumonia among staff were reported, linked to the lack of warm clothing such as fleece jackets.
Operational challenges extend beyond infrastructure and weather. The committee learned that government vehicles frequently break down due to limited resources, disrupting the workflow.
Officers also face occasional hostility in certain operational areas, sometimes forcing them to retreat to safer locations.
Despite the significant revenue collected at the border, the committee expressed disappointment that the officers’ working environment remains poor.
The Senators stressed that these challenges not only affect staff welfare but also slow down trade processes, potentially affecting the economy.
The committee assured that they would engage the relevant government departments to address the staffing shortages and infrastructure gaps.
They emphasized the need to provide officers with adequate support, safe working conditions, and the tools necessary to manage one of the country’s busiest border posts effectively.
Senators present during the visit included James Lomenen (Turkana), Joyce Korir (Bomet), Beth Syengo (nominated), Betty Montet (nominated), Kamau Githuku (Lamu), and Consolata Wakwabubi (nominated).
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