Kenya and Uganda have agreed to work together to end smuggling along the Suam border.
The agreement was reached during a meeting held between Kenyan team led by Trans Nzoia acting County Commissioner Abudulahi Khalif and deputy governor Stanley Kenei and the Ugandan team led by Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs Mr. Hood Katuramu in Kitale on Friday.
Among issues discussed included security and development and general good working relations to promote trade between the two countries.
The leaders identified goods that will be a priority on the smuggling list which include sugar and alcohol, which they said, were areas that denied both countries revenue.
Khalif Abdullahi who is also Trans Nzoia West Deputy County Commissioner took issue with traders who smuggled the items and evaded taxes.
According to Khalif, the bilateral relations was key to trade and disease control adding that once the one-stop-border point is completed, health facilities will be established to help in disease control.
Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Dr.Stanley Kenei was pleased that the Kitale -Suam road that is currently under construction will ease travel and boost business along the Suam boarder.
Mr. Katuramu said cordial relations among the two countries was key to peace, stability and promotion of trade.
He said his team will work closely with the Kenyan team to address challenges hindering promotion of trade among the two countries.
The chairman also said that there was need for people of the two countries who share common cultures to collaborate as a way of promoting peace.
The Ugandan team had earlier met the business community where they discussed ways of strengthening trade ties among the two countries.
By Pauline Ikanda
