Busia County Celebrates World Customs Day

The representatives of the Busia County Department of Trade and the Office of the Governor enthusiastically joined forces with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to mark International Customs Day held on Friday.

The event at Busia Polytechnic grounds, aimed at uniting businesses around the border that have played a significant role in cross border trade.

In a departure from the usual commemoration in Nairobi, Busia County hosted the event, aligning with the government’s strategy of bringing services closer to the people.

The approach is viewed as a powerful tool to reduce inequality, accelerate rural development and increase the involvement of traders and citizens in their own development.

The theme for 2024, as set by KRA, emphasized on celebrating and fostering new partnerships through both traditional and modern channels.

On behalf of the Governor, Busia Deputy Governor, Hon Arthur Odera, urged members of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce to collaborate closely with the Dr Paul Otuoma’s adminstration to spur economic developement.

He emphasized on the importance of attracting investments to address primary challenges, create job opportunities, and assured partners that the devolved unit is committed to developing infrastructure to facilitate profitable business endeavors.

“Collaboration among the county government, Chamber of Commerce, and KRA is crucial in improving efficiency at the border post by addressing issues like trailers parking at roadsides. The government of Busia has plans to establish a trailer park at Busia and Malaba borders to reduce congestion,” states the DG.

Dr. Lilian Nyawanda, the Commissioner of Customs, Border Control, and Enforcement, highlighted the Women Cross-Border Traders Association as a dynamic team that transitioned from smuggling goods to legitimate trade thus safeguarding and protecting the border within the county.

“We consider KNCCI as our primary partner, with a crucial association of businessmen. We collaborate in both customs and domestic perspectives. Additionally, we are partnering with the Ugandan Revenue Authority to maximize the efficiency of our facilities. Working with both county and national governments, we aim to create space for trucks,” she added.

Outgoing Busia County Commissioner Mr Kipchumba Ruto stressed the urgency of addressing the trailer-related issues affecting roads, causing delays, and impacting businesses and revenue collection.

He called for talks between the Kenyan and Ugandan governments to enhance business at Busia and Malaba border posts, ensuring effective and efficient movement of goods, services, and people.

“We witness over 300 lorries crossing the border daily. KRA plays a crucial role in border controls, and our collaboration with the Ministry of Interior supports revenue collection. We are actively engaged as members of the Border Management Committee,” he emphasized.