Nairobi β Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu has emphasized the strategic importance of the Isebania-Sirari One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), describing it as a crucial gateway linking Kenya to regional markets within the East African Community (EAC). The OSBP, located on the Kenya-Tanzania border, is designed to streamline cross-border trade by reducing clearance times and costs.
According to a statement from the State Department for Trade, Karugu made the remarks during a recent inspection tour of the facility. She noted that the OSBP has significantly improved trade efficiency, with average clearance times dropping from several hours to under 30 minutes for goods and passengers. The border post handles a substantial volume of trade, including agricultural products, manufactured goods, and fuel.
The Isebania-Sirari OSBP is part of a broader EAC initiative to establish 18 such posts across the region, aimed at enhancing regional integration and economic growth. The World Bank and other development partners have supported the project, which is expected to boost intra-EAC trade by reducing non-tariff barriers.
Karugu called on stakeholders to continue collaborating to address remaining challenges, such as infrastructure gaps and harmonization of customs procedures. She reiterated the Kenyan government's commitment to making the OSBP a model for efficient border management in Africa.
