Senate Committee laments harsh working conditions at Busia One-Stop Border post
By Ascah Mwango, October 7, 2025The Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration has raised alarm over the harsh and deplorable working conditions faced by officers at the Busia One-Stop Border Post, despite the facility generating billions of shillings in revenue every year.
During a fact-finding visit on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Committee, led by Chairperson Senator Mohamed Said Chute, expressed shock at the state of the border post, which is a key trade gateway between Kenya and Uganda.
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Chute said the conditions officers endure at one of the busiest border points in the region were unacceptable.
“It is shocking that a facility that collects so much revenue is operating under such poor conditions. Officers are working in the cold, in the dust and in the rain without basic protective gear. We have even been told cases of pneumonia are common among staff because they do not have something as simple as warm fleece jackets,” Chute said.
The Committee also highlighted the severe infrastructural challenges that have slowed operations at the border. Senators noted that the main access road is too narrow, forcing officers to clear only one truck at a time, leading to long queues and delays for traders and transporters.
“We cannot have a border post of this magnitude clearing trucks one by one because the road is too narrow. It is slowing down business and causing unnecessary congestion. The road must be expanded to accommodate more lanes,” Chute said.
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The Committee found that the facility, which should have 20 officers, is operating with only seven. The medical section is even more overstretched, with just four nurses and two clinical officers handling the health needs of thousands of travellers and officers every day.
Senator Beth Syengo said it was appalling that frontline officers who facilitate trade and collect huge sums in taxes are neglected.
“How can we expect efficiency when we do not even have enough staff? The officers are doing their best under impossible circumstances. We must address this urgently,” she said.
Senators also learned that officers often work in fear due to hostility in some operational areas, occasionally forcing them to retreat for their own safety. They also struggle with frequent breakdowns of government vehicles because of limited resources.
Senator Joyce Korir said the government must prioritise the welfare of the officers.
“These officers are sacrificing a lot to keep our borders secure and trade flowing. It is unacceptable that they are left to work without proper equipment, warm clothing or even functioning vehicles. We have to fix this,” she said.
The lawmakers assured that the Senate will push the relevant government agencies to act swiftly to improve infrastructure, provide adequate staffing and ensure that officers working at the busy border post have the necessary support and a conducive working environment.
“The Busia One-Stop Border Post is one of the most important trade gateways in East Africa. We cannot allow it to operate in such a state. We will not only demand better working conditions for the officers but also push for an overhaul of the facility to match the billions it generates,” Chute said.
The Committee said it will table a report in the Senate urging immediate intervention by the government to revamp the Busia One-Stop Border Post and ensure officers are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Other members of the Committee who attended the tour included Senators James Lomenen, Betty Montent, Kamau Githuku and Consolata Wakwabubi.