Truck drivers took a bold stand, effectively paralyzing operations along the vital Eldoret-Malaba highway in a fierce protest against the Busia County government’s latest levy on road users. This protest reflects deeper issues within regional trade and governance, particularly as the drivers deem the charges unrealistic and contrary to East African trade laws.
Background of the Protest
The drivers, led by their spokesperson Sudi Mwatela, expressed their frustration at Amagoro, where they parked their trucks to highlight their dissatisfaction with the county government’s approach. Mwatela emphasized that this is the third attempt by the Busia County government to impose charges on truck drivers traversing its territory. He labeled this action as “impunity” and an unrealistic burden that no driver should tolerate.
According to Mwatela, the newly introduced directive from the Malaba municipal management demands drivers pay Ksh. 400 for passing through Malaba and an additional Ksh. 400 for returning with empty trucks. This totals Ksh. 800, a fee they argue is unjustifiable given the lack of services provided to road users in the area.
Concerns Raised by Drivers
During the protest, truck drivers voiced several concerns that reflect a broader discontent with local governance. Mwatela articulated the drivers’ frustrations: “We can’t pay for the road yet not a single public toilet or truck parking facility is in place. Which services are we paying for?”
This sentiment was echoed by other drivers, including John Kimani and Salim Bahaba, who highlighted the county’s failure to provide basic amenities. Kimani pointed out that as they travel from Mombasa to Malaba, they pass through 13 counties, yet only Busia attempts to levy such charges. He further noted that the highway runs along the Great Northern Corridor, a crucial trade route, and insisted that taxes should be directed to the national government through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), not local governments.
Bahaba added, “Today, Busia County has cost the country millions in lost revenue, which is payable at the Malaba customs. We are ready to park these trucks indefinitely until we receive directives from the CS of transport or even the President himself.”
Reaction from Stakeholders
The protest received support from the clearing agents at Malaba, who criticized the county government for enacting regulations without adequate public participation from key stakeholders. They described the county’s actions as ill-advised and emphasized the need for consultation to ensure effective implementation of such levies.
Ouma, a clearing agent at Malaba’s One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), pointed out the economic implications of the protest. “Today, we have rendered no services, yet some of these trucks carry perishable goods. Who will bear the cost of this disruption?” he questioned.
Current Situation at Malaba Customs
A spot check at the Malaba Customs by the Kenya News Agency (KNA) revealed that the usually bustling entry point was underutilized on Monday. KRA and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials attempted to intervene and mediate the situation. However, the county government insisted on enforcing the new levies on all vehicles entering Malaba, further escalating tensions.
The Broader Implications
This protest highlights several critical issues affecting trade and transport within the East African Community (EAC). The drivers’ concerns reflect a lack of adequate infrastructure and services, which undermines the operational efficiency of trucking and trade. Additionally, the unilateral decision-making by the Busia County government raises questions about the governance model within the EAC, particularly regarding how local policies can impact regional trade dynamics.
The grievances of the truck drivers point to a need for a collaborative approach to governance in the transport sector. The imposition of levies without proper consultation and the absence of corresponding services creates friction between local authorities and the business community. The drivers’ protest is a reminder of the importance of stakeholder engagement in policy-making processes, particularly in sectors critical to economic growth and regional integration.
Conclusion
The ongoing protest by truck drivers along the Eldoret-Malaba highway underscores the tension between local government policies and the realities of regional trade. As drivers demand accountability and better services in exchange for levies, it becomes evident that sustainable solutions require dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders, including government authorities, transport operators, and the private sector.
Without addressing the root causes of discontent, such as inadequate infrastructure and the perception of unfair levies, the Busia County government risks ongoing disruptions that could hinder trade and economic growth. As the situation evolves, the response of local and national authorities will be crucial in determining the future of transport operations along this critical trade route.
