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State to establish three new border points in Turkana to boost trade, security

Secretary of Border Control and Operations Coordition Committee Kennedy Nyaiyo meeting with Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai at Lodwar town. (County press)

By Issa Hussein | Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The team, led by Nyaiyo, assessed the viability of the proposed border points and inspected Lokichogio Airport.

The Government is planning to establish three new border entry and exit points in Turkana County.

On Wednesday, a team led by Kennedy Nyaiyo, the Secretary of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee and head of the Border Management Secretariat, toured Turkana to assess the designated entry points.

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During the visit, the team engaged Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai in Lodwar town to discuss the county's support in operationalizing the new border points identified at Kibish, Nawountos, and Nakitong'o.

Nyaiyo emphasized the importance of collaboration with the county and highlighted the economic gains as a result of the operationalization of the border points.

The team, led by Nyaiyo, assessed the viability of the proposed border points and inspected Lokichogio Airport.

"Accessibility, trade volume, security situation, and available communication network would be considered," said Nyaiyo.

He also stressed the importance of public participation for the successful implementation of the projects.

Nyaiyo hinted at the government's plans to establish border entry and exit points at Lomokori and Todonyang, which border Southern Sudan.

The Joint Border Team comprised officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the National Police Service, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and National Administration officers.

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai welcomed the initiative and urged the team to expedite the establishment of the new Points of Entry and Exit, acknowledging that they will boost cross-border trade and improve security.

"Turkana County borders Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda where we face several border issues, but we are also presented with opportunities for cross-border trade which will be enhanced by the establishment of the border point of entry," he said.

He mentioned challenges such as poor road infrastructure in the border areas and expressed hope that the road network would be improved.