Senate Committee on Trade fault KRA accused of overlooking the OSBPs

Teso,

Monday November 27, 2023

KNA by Absalom Namwalo

The Senate Committee on Trade has criticized the government for neglecting operation services at Malaba and Busia One Spot Border Point (OSBP), despite the significant revenue generated by the busy East African gateway.

Despite Malaba and Busia OSBP generating over 10 billion annually, the two customs are faced with numerous challenges from leaking roofs in the server rooms, regular power outage, water shortage, poor hygiene and understaffing, causing significant revenue losses.

The committee led by Busia senator Okiya Omutata, Kiambu senator Karung’o Wa Thang’wa and Crystal Asige, visited Malaba and Busia OSBP to ascertain how best the government can improve the operation efficiency in an effort to boost revenue.

“We are here on a fact finding mission to establish how best we can improve the operations at OSBPs to boost revenue collection from 10 billion to 15 billion per year.

The two entry points need urgent intervention and upgrade to match international standards,” said Wa Thang’wa.

“Malaba clears over 2000 trucks on a daily basis and according to the committee, introduction of smart gates will be the appropriate solution to traffic snarl-ups.

Malaba and Busia OSBPs being the gateway to East and Central Africa need modern solutions. Introduction of smart gates and more improved scanners will make trade efficient thus boosting trade circle,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Omutata noting the government needs bilateral talks with Uganda to resolve the move that has seen Uganda opt to trade with rival’s Tanzania.

“The country is losing a significant amount of revenue due to inefficiencies caused by frequent power outages, insufficient staffing, staff shortages during lunchtime, and some trailers using informal routes. The commissioner general of Kenya Revenue Authority and Cabinet Secretary of Transport must visit Malaba to address the mess,” said the Busia Senator.

 “At Malaba we experience power outages 5 times a day and with the nature of backup generators we have services that are derailed,” explained the area custom manager Gideon Chepkole.

Cross Border women chairperson Mariam Babu challenged the committee to revisit the East Africa trade agreement, which has disadvantaged Kenyans giving lifeline to their counterparties from Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Courtesy; KNA