Busia County is poised to unveil a cutting-edge parking facility for heavy commercial vehicles, aimed at streamlining the movement of goods along the Kenya-Uganda border. This significant project, valued at Sh345 million, is expected to alleviate congestion at the border point and enhance trade efficiency in the region.
Strategically situated at Mundika market along the Busia-Kisumu Highway, just a short distance from the border, the park will serve as a holding area for trucks awaiting clearance to cross into Uganda. “This initiative is expected to reduce the traffic snarl-ups that have long plagued the area, improving the flow of goods and services,” stated Peter Odima, the Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning Executive, during a site visit on Tuesday.
Odima revealed that the park is 80 percent complete, with only the tarmacking remaining. “The park will have the capacity to hold at least 150 trailers at any given time before they are cleared to cross the border,” he noted, adding that the facility is expected to be completed within a month.
The facility will include amenities for drivers, shops, kiosks, and accommodation facilities, all set to boost local businesses and improve the economy of Busia town. Odima emphasized, “We shall ensure truck drivers have a more comfortable wait as they process the necessary documentation for border crossing. The park is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.”
Under this model, the private investor, whose identity remains undisclosed, will receive 70 percent of the revenue generated from the facility, while Busia County will take a 30 percent share. “This model not only brings in private investment but also ensures that the county benefits financially from the project’s success,” Odima explained.
Additionally, the private investor will pay an annual land rate of Sh2 million, contributing further to the county’s economic benefits and ensuring the productive use of previously idle land. The private investor will collect parking fees for 25 years, after which the facility will be fully handed over to the county government for management.
“This project is a game-changer for Busia. Not only will it reduce congestion and improve the logistics of cross-border trade, but it will also create much-needed job opportunities for our residents,” Odima affirmed.
Busia town serves as the gateway to the Great Lakes Region, yet it has long been plagued by traffic snarl-ups caused by transit trucks awaiting clearance at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP). To further address this issue, the dualling of the OSBP-Korinda junction road by the county government, in partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), is underway.
The new parking facility represents a significant advancement in addressing the logistical challenges at the Kenya-Uganda border. By providing a designated area for trucks to wait for clearance, it will significantly reduce the congestion that has historically hindered the flow of goods. This, in turn, will enhance trade efficiency and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Moreover, the development of amenities for drivers, including shops and accommodation facilities, will support local businesses and provide a more comfortable waiting experience for truck drivers. This holistic approach to improving border logistics demonstrates the county’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for trade and investment.
As Busia County continues to implement infrastructural projects like the new parking facility and the dualling of key roads, it is set to become a pivotal hub for trade in the Great Lakes Region. The successful completion of these initiatives will not only ease border congestion but also contribute to the economic prosperity of the county and its residents.
