Kenya’s trade with South Sudan is set for a major transformation following the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) launch of three Trade Facilitation Centres in Kainuk, Lodwar, and Kakuma. These strategic hubs aim to enhance efficiency along the Northern Corridor, a crucial trade route connecting Kenya to South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
The initiative, part of the broader LAPSSET Corridor Program, is expected to ease congestion at the Malaba and Busia border posts, reduce transit time for cargo moving from Mombasa to South Sudan, and reinforce Kenya’s role as a regional trade hub. Additionally, it will unlock economic opportunities in Turkana County, a historically marginalized region in national trade infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga described the initiative as a game-changer for East African trade. He emphasized that the facilities will improve the movement of goods across the region while strengthening KRA’s presence along the South Sudan link road. By bringing services closer to traders, the centres will not only facilitate business but also enhance border security and trade compliance.
Beyond trade facilitation, these centres will serve as enforcement hubs, hosting KRA’s Rapid Response Unit and Enforcement teams. Their presence is expected to curb issues such as cargo theft, smuggling, and tax evasion, which have historically hampered Kenya’s trade ecosystem.
KRA’s Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, Dr. Lilian Nyawanda, highlighted that the centres will bridge logistical gaps and create a more conducive business environment. She noted that the facilities will streamline the flow of cargo into South Sudan while offering trade-related services to local communities. By positioning them in Turkana, KRA is leveraging the region’s strategic location as a gateway to South Sudan, ensuring legitimate trade while preventing illicit activities.
The new centres address long-standing challenges, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and high costs associated with accessing customs services. Traders will now benefit from reduced travel distances for obtaining trade documentation, leading to cost savings for businesses and KRA alike.
The Trade Facilitation Centres are part of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade, and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP), funded by the World Bank. As Kenya continues positioning itself as a leading trade hub, KRA plans to establish additional border posts along key trade routes to enhance revenue collection, improve security, and promote regional economic integration.
