The government of Kenya is intensifying border security efforts by establishing Border Patrol Operation Bases in Suam, Lwakhakha, and Busia to combat cross-border crimes and enhance trade. Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced that the target counties for this initiative include Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Busia, which are critical to safeguarding the Western region along the Kenya-Uganda border.
During a recent visit to the Suam border point, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and PS Omollo inspected ongoing construction works for a modern One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The upgraded OSBP will streamline the clearance process by allowing border management officers from Kenya and Uganda to work in shared facilities, promoting regional trade and integration.
According to Omollo, the primary cross-border crimes include forgery of travel documents, which accounted for 40% of the cases apprehended last year. Other significant threats include drug trafficking, counterfeits, and contraband goods such as sugar, maize, alcohol, and pharmaceutical drugs. Narcotics seizures made up 21% of criminal cases during the same period.
To mitigate these challenges, the government has implemented a multi-agency approach under the Border Control and Coordination Operations Committee (BCOCC). Enhanced collaboration among agencies and joint patrols by the General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Defence Forces, and general police officers have led to the closure of 200 illegal routes along the Busia border.
The government is also investing Sh4.9 billion to upgrade the 45-kilometer Kitale-Endebess-Suam road to facilitate legitimate trade and improve connectivity with Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Busia and Malaba have functional OSBPs, the Suam OSBP is nearing completion at 94%.
Additionally, vehicle checkpoints and surveillance along major road corridors have been intensified. Plans are underway to revive Joint Border Commissioners’ meetings between Kenya and Uganda to address small arms smuggling, illegal migrations, and conflicts among border communities.
PS Omollo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring seamless and secure movement across borders to unlock economic opportunities in the East African region. “We should be having flawless movement,” he emphasized.
