Teso — The government has prioritized dueling of Malaba-Eldoret highway as a legacy project to enhance its trade thus boosting revenue collection beyond Sh7 billion at Malaba OSBP.
The project aims to ease traffic congestion, improve efficiency, and increase revenue generated through the Malaba border crossing.
Speaking at Malaba after attending a fund drive, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, noted that Malaba OSBP remains significant to the government owing to the revenue it generates annually.
''The Malaba Border is the second busiest border crossing in Africa, serving more than seven countries. It plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and cross-border movements, and the dualing of the highway is a strategic move to enhance connectivity and economic growth in the region,'' said Wetangula.
The project aligns with the government's commitment to expanding key transportation networks to accommodate the increasing volume of trade and travel.
Wetangula added that survey and dualling works will commence in two months' time as the president Dr. William Ruto had already approved the commencement of the project.
His sentiments were echoed by the Member of Parliament for Teso North, Oku Kaunya, who noted that in the past one month alone over 20 bodabodas have lost their lives between Amagoro and Malaba OSBP.
''The current state of the Malaba - Eldoret Highway poses significant risks to motorists, and accidents are a frequent occurrence. The dueling of the highway is a crucial step in improving road safety and reducing the number of accidents along this busy highway,'' he said.
Kaunya wants the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to increase the number of bumps and road signs to mitigate overspending and overlapping which have been cited as leading contributors to accidents along the highway.
Their statement comes barely 2 weeks after the senate committee on trade visited the Busia and Malaba OSBPs on a fact finding mission on how the government could improve on its efficiency to maintain its trade partners.
''The economic benefits of the Malaba border are huge. By investing in the dual carriage way, we are not only ensuring smoother transportation but also unlocking greater economic potential. We not only improve transportation efficiency but also create a more conducive environment for trade, which will undoubtedly contribute to an increase in revenue,'' Omtata emphasized.
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The proposed dual carriageway is expected to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people across borders, reducing delays and enhancing overall trade efficiency.
Leaders anticipate that the construction of the dual carriageway will not only facilitate smoother traffic flow but also enhance safety on the route.
As the government takes this bold step to boost infrastructure, leaders and citizens alike look forward to the positive impacts the dueling of the Malaba - Eldoret Highway will bring to the local economy and transportation network.
This week, traffic snarl-up has stretched beyond Kimaiti and the effect is being felt at two accidents where in one incident a traffic police was hit by a car carrying smuggled goods.
''Creation of a dry port at Malaba is another alternative to ease the congestion on the road. We will champion for all alternative means for efficiency of business as well as well -being of our people,'' noted Wetangula. - Kna
