The Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration has expressed shock over the deplorable state of the Busia One-Stop Border Post, despite the facility generating billions of shillings in revenue annually.

During a fact-finding visit on Tuesday, the Committee led by Chairperson Sen Mohamed Said Chute observed that the border post, which serves as a key trade gateway between Kenya and Uganda, faces severe infrastructural and staffing challenges that have hampered its efficiency.

The Senators noted that the main access road is too narrow, forcing officers to clear one truck at a time. They recommended the expansion of the road to allow multiple lanes for faster clearance of vehicles.

The team also highlighted the inadequate parking space and shortage of staff as key challenges affecting service delivery. Currently, the facility operates with only seven officers, against an approved establishment of 20 personnel. The medical section is manned by only four nurses and two clinical officers, leaving the staff overstretched.

The Senators further raised concerns over the poor working environment for officers stationed at the border. They cited exposure to harsh weather conditions such as cold, rain, and dust—often without adequate protective gear. Cases of pneumonia among staff have reportedly become common due to the lack of warm clothing such as fleece jackets.

Additionally, the officers face frequent breakdowns of government vehicles due to limited resources, while some have to deal with hostilities in certain operational zones, occasionally forcing them to retreat for their safety.

Despite the high revenue collected at the Busia border, the Committee lamented that the working conditions of officers remain deplorable.

The Committee assured that the Committee will engage relevant government agencies to address the infrastructural and staffing gaps, and to ensure that officers working at the busy border post are provided with the necessary support and conducive working conditions.

Senators present were Senators James Lomenen,Joyce Korir,Beth Syengo,Betty Montent,Kamau Githuku and Consolata Wakwabubi.