Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) is one of the major entries to the neighbouring country Uganda.
The border post which is managed by KRA was officially opened by the two partner state Presidents; Uhuru Kenyatta and Yoweri Museveni in February 2018.
Previously travelers and goods could make several stops in both countries for clearance which could take a couple of days creating delays.
With the role of making persons, vehicles and goods make a single stop to exit one country and enter another, the one stop post is also tasked with protecting the country.
Territorial Integrity
Apart from revenue collection, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is also responsible for keeping territorial integrity at the post.
“We not only collect revenue from the traders but also ensure our borders are safe,” said Busia OSBP Manager, Joackim Mwawasi.
Screening of travelers is done by the security personnel together with Immigration officers at the border.
We know the porous borders, and for you to smuggle we know the routes that you will use and that’s where we have placed our enforcement team
KRA Western Region Coordinator, Pamela Ahago
Goods are passed through a drive through scanner and a luggage scanner for verification and clearance.
“We have invested millions to acquire security equipment and scanners to ensure on legal products get into the country,” furthered Mwasasi.
After scanning the goods, they are then passed through the customs facilitation centre where the assessment of cargo and tax is done.
The data is then sent to Nairobi for further analysis before the goods are allowed into the country.
The Porous Borders
KRA however says that they still experience challenges with smugglers who use the porous points at the border to sneak illegal products into the country.
“We know the porous borders, and for you to smuggle we know the routes that you will use and that’s where we have placed our enforcement team,” said KRA Western Region Coordinator, Pamela Ahago.
According to her, they are still on the road to end smuggling citing that there has been reduction in the cases in the recent past.
“Smuggling has been there before but as an authority we have put measures in place to ensure that we reduce this menace,” she said.
