By Checky Abuje
The UN Habitat in conjunction with the Danish government have rolled out a program that will uplift the current administration of Busia County government through strengthening the cross-border trade along Kenya-Uganda (Busia and Malaba) borders respectively.
And the Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma is banking on this 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 that also includes Busia District in Uganda aims at Building resilience of the three entities with a bias to 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 at a hotel in Busia Kenya, Dr Otuoma emphasized the need for urban development as critical measure in accelerating economic growth along the border stretch.
“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.
He further noted that the municipalities of Busia and Malaba respectively which share most the amenities with neighbouring Uganda, face numerous challenges hindering trade. The challenges include erratic trading environment, weak cross border trade association and lack of technical capacities for traders.
Other limitations, according to Dr Otuoma are poor infrastructure, weak business financing and lack of comprehensive database among many others.
The high-spirited governor commended the UN Habitat for reaching out to the Danish Embassy, who are key donor partner, for the support to facilitate the program which is in line with the County Integrated Development plan and other national and global protocol.
“We have proposed development of infrastructure such as markets, special zones for traders, development of ICT-based repository and training of traders and harmonization of polices 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.
The governor’s sentiments were echoed by Ms Mette Melson, the Development Cooperation Specialist in charge of Kenya/Somalia from Danish Embassy who lauded the cooperation between Kenya and Uganda that will play a critical role on execution of the project.
“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 is unwavered,” 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.
In attendance also included UN Habitat and Danish Embassy officials, Busia Uganda delegation, County Executive Committee Members led by host department of Strategic Partnership, ICT and Digital Economy under Mr Douglas Okiring, Chief Officers, Directors and Members of County Assembly.