Trade relations between Kenya and Uganda have been on the rise, with Uganda sending exports like coffee, fish, and agricultural products to Kenya, while it imports machinery, fuel, and manufactured items from Kenya.
In a meeting convened in the Konyao area of Kapchok ward, West Pokot county, which included government officials from Kenya, Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, underscored the necessity of implementing one-stop border posts at the border of west Pokot and Uganda.
He pointed out that the initiative would greatly improve the efficiency of cross-border transactions, thereby minimising wait times and streamlining customs processes.
He emphasised that establishing a one-stop border post in the borders of Kenya in West Pokot county to Uganda could foster better trade relationships and economic cooperation between Uganda and Kenya, while also facilitating the efficient movement of goods and individuals across their shared border.
Ambassador Maangi said the government is charting a road-map that supports the growth, sustainability, and well-being of border communities to help foster a more integrated and prosperous future for them.
He further said there is a need to prioritise trade and investment to bolster Kenya’s economic development, emphasising the need of focusing on commercial ties between countries.
He said that Kenya is enhancing its standing in the global marketplace, to attract foreign investment, and create mutually beneficial relationships with other nations.
He said while security remains vital, the heart of the government’s efforts is commerce with an aim to enhance economic growth, create jobs, and foster sustainable development.
“the government aims to open up market economies that will create employment for people in every corner of Kenya,” Ambassador Maangi said.
In his remarks West Pokot Deputy governor Robert Komolle reiterated the necessity for the Kenyan government to establish one-stop border posts.
He pointed at the border between West Pokot and Uganda, there were currently no-stop border posts on the Kenyan side especially in the North Pokot sub county.
He lauded the government of Uganda for its progress in enhancing border infrastructure, which promotes more efficient movement of goods and people across its borders.
He stated that it is essential to create transhumance routes and established a one-stop border point at the border of Kenya and Uganda, emphasizing that the initiative will greatly improve trade and reinforce relationships among neighbouring communities across the borders.
He said there is a necessity to establish alternative livelihoods for pastoralists to improve their income stability by diversifying their income sources.
Furthermore, he said the implementation of one-stop border posts would not only improve the living standards of pastoral communities but also foster overall economic growth in the region.
He said in 2019 there was a discussion in Morotto in Uganda that centered on the development of key infrastructure, particularly the construction of the roads connecting Nakapipirit, Alakas, Konyao, and Kapenguria noting that a construction of roads would enhance connectivity, improve access to markets, ad further support economic activities in the region.
Member of the County Assembly John Bosco Giratum of Alale ward expressed optimism regarding the economic revitalisation of Pokot North,an area that has long faced challenges of underdevelopment.
He expressed hope from potential development initiatives which the government aims to improve in his ward including infrastructure which would enhance access to markets, and promote local agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
In addition, he said they talked to the Ambassador on the need to educate the locals about the alternative ways of getting money and not just relying on livestock keeping.
‘‘I will reach a time where we will not have enough land to graze our animals so there is a need to educate our people to look for alternative ways,’’ said Giratum.
West Pokot County Commissioner (CC) Abdullahi Khalif reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring security throughout the region, calling for a peaceful environment within the county.
He acknowledged that the establishment of a one-stop border post would enhance security and promote more efficient cross-border trade as well as the movement of goods and people.
The meeting held in Konyao follows a leaders meeting in Nairobi that brought together leaders from Uganda and Kenya to discuss peace and cooperation in border regions.
