Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched three trade facilitation centres in Kainuk, Lodwar, and Kakuma to enhance cargo transit efficiency and strengthen regional trade along the Northern Corridor.
The new hubs aim to ease trade flows between Kenya and South Sudan while expanding business opportunities in Turkana County.
The initiative will also reduce congestion at the Malaba and Busia border posts and significantly cut transit times for cargo moving from Mombasa to South Sudan.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga lauded the centres as a game-changer for trade in East Africa.
“These facilities will enhance KRA’s operations along the South Sudan link road and bring our services closer to the people,” Wattanga said.
“They will also improve border security and create a more conducive business environment.”
The centres, part of the LAPSSET Corridor Program, will facilitate cargo monitoring, boost exports, and enhance trade efficiency.
KRA will deploy Rapid Response Units and Enforcement teams to safeguard cargo movements and curb smuggling, robberies, and illicit trade.
KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, Lilian Nyawanda, emphasized the centres’ role in supporting legitimate trade.
“These hubs will ease cargo entry into South Sudan and foster economic ties with our neighbors. Their strategic location along the Lokichar-Nadapal-Nakodok route will enhance trade efficiency,” she said.
Nyawanda also thanked the local community for supporting the project, noting that the centres will provide shared amenities as part of KRA’s Corporate Social Investment.
Previously, traders had to travel long distances for KRA services.
The new hubs will reduce business mobility costs and lower enforcement expenses, as inspections will no longer require teams to be dispatched from Eldoret.
The facilities are part of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade, and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP), funded by the World Bank. Moving forward, KRA plans to establish more border points to further streamline trade, increase revenue collection, and curb illicit trade.
