State invites bids for setting up of border posts

The government plans to construct a one-stop border post at Malaba and Busia to facilitate trade with Uganda. Uganda will construct similar facilities on its side of the border.

The project is part of the International Development Agency funded initiative dubbed East Africa Trade and Transport Facilitation.

Development credit with a total funding of $120 million was negotiated in 2005 and included harmonisation of border procedures and setting up of one-stop border posts to be managed jointly by parallel organisations in the two countries.

Meet objectives

Subsequently, Kenya has invited bidders for consultancy services for design review of plans already done by the Ministry of Roads and supervision of the project which is expected to be completed in five months.

In an advertisement on Tuesday signed by director of procurement K. N Mwangi, the selected consultant will be required to liaise with its counterpart in Uganda to put up similar facilities to meet objectives.

The project will include construction of new buildings and structures to act as the one-stop border post control centre.

Buildings will include customs to house Kenya Bureau of Standards and anti-narcotics and drug control units.

The other facilities are goods inspection sheds and facilities for handling cargo.

Immigration buildings will comprise a modern public health unit and a public rest area for immigration personnel.

State-of-the-art

New plant and animal health units will be constructed with animal holding areas.

The state-of-the-art facilities will also include security enforcement and safety facilities, with expanded robust grille fencing system.

Commercial service provider facilities that include financial, clearing and forwarding, banking and communication centres will also be constructed.

Uganda is Kenya’s leading export destination of manufactured goods, while the former has been increasing its agricultural exports into the country.