The county government of Busia is banking on a cooperation agreement between the devolved unit and United Nations (UN) Habitat to strengthen the economic capacity of informal cross-border trade in the region.
The agreement which also includes Busia District in Uganda, aims at Building the resilience of the three entities with a bias towards women and youthful traders in the greater Busia Metro.
Under this framework, UN Habitat will assist the two local governments accelerate the achievement of SDG Goal 11 ( making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) and the new Urban Agenda, through capacity strengthening, resource mobilization and partnership linkages.
Addressing stakeholders drawn from the two countries, during a donor and UN-Habitat validation mission in Busia, Kenya on Thursday, Busia governor Dr. Paul Otuoma emphasized the need for urban development as a critical measure in accelerating economic growth along the border.
“I am glad that the government of Denmark has agreed to support this cross border project, courtesy of UN-Habitat efforts. The municipalities of Busia and Malaba face serious infrastructural deficiencies that this project will assist to address,” he said.
The county boss further noted that the municipalities of Busia and Malaba respectively which share most of the amenities with neighbouring Uganda, face numerous challenges hindering trade including erratic trading environment, weak cross-border trade association, lack of technical capacities for traders, poor infrastructure, weak business financing and lack of comprehensive database among many others.
“We have proposed the development of infrastructure such as markets, special zones for traders, development of ICT-based repository and training of traders and harmonization of policies between County Government of Busia and local government on Ugandan side as the measures that will enhance seamless trade in the region,” said Dr Otuoma.
Governor Otuoma’s sentiments were affirmed by Ms. Mette Melson, the Danish Embassy Development Cooperation Specialist in Kenya and Somalia who lauded the cooperation between Kenya and Uganda which will play a critical role in executing the project.
“We affirm our commitment in actualization of this program as part of our strategic plan on cooperation with African countries that was launched this year with key focus on trade,” said the representative who was accompanied by Senior Program Advisor for Uganda Embassy.
On his part, Mr Ishaku Maitumbi, the UN Habitat Head of Sub-Regional Programme (East and Horn of Africa) regretted that the two countries share a lot in common but border system has not benefitted informal cross border traders.
“This caucus aims at trying to shape this metropolitan area in a bid to foster the landscape of economic activities by addressing pertinent issues that hinder seamless trade, by incorporating strategic plan that is inclusive for all,” he said.
The provincial administration led by Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga and Busia Uganda Resident District Commissioner, Hajira Namagugwe said the project is of great significance to the Great Lakes Region considering that Busia is well positioned at the heart of cross border trade and regional integration.