Leaders Back Cross-Border Trade Expansion as Key Driver of Economic Growth in Busia
Leaders have identified the Busia-Malaba border corridor and ongoing infrastructure projects as key catalysts for economic growth, trade expansion and youth empowerment in Busia County.
Leaders address residents during a youth and boda boda empowerment forum in Teso North Constituency, where discussions focused on cross-border trade, infrastructure development and economic opportunities in Busia County. Photo/Courtesy
Enhanced cross-border trade between Kenya and Uganda through the Busia-Malaba border corridor is expected to significantly boost economic activity in Busia County, with leaders highlighting its potential to strengthen livelihoods in a region that largely depends on agriculture and retail trade.
Speaking during a youth and boda boda empowerment forum in Teso North Constituency, a local leader underscored the importance of strategic infrastructure investments in unlocking the area’s economic potential. The event was hosted by Teso North MP Edward Oku Kaunya.
Addressing residents, the leader urged the people of Busia to support President William Ruto’s development agenda, citing ongoing and planned projects aimed at improving connectivity, trade and economic opportunities across the region.
“The Busia-Malaba border remains one of the busiest crossings along the Northern Corridor. Strengthening trade through this gateway will create opportunities for businesses, farmers and young people while stimulating the local economy,” he said.
He pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha through Nyanza and Western Kenya to Malaba, as transformative investments that will ease the movement of goods and services.
“The expansion of our road network and extension of the railway line will enhance regional trade, reduce transport costs and open up new economic opportunities for local communities,” he noted.
The leader also encouraged young people, particularly those living in border towns, to take advantage of the government’s efforts to ease restrictions on the acquisition of national identity cards.
“Young people should obtain identification documents and actively participate in democratic processes. This is their constitutional right and an important step in shaping the country’s future,” he said.
The empowerment initiative brought together youth groups, boda boda operators and community leaders to discuss economic empowerment, infrastructure development and opportunities arising from regional integration.
Among leaders who attended the event were Presidential Aide Farouk Kibet, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and several Members of Parliament.
The leaders reiterated the importance of infrastructure development, youth empowerment and cross-border trade in accelerating economic growth and improving livelihoods in Busia County and the wider Western Kenya region.
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