Government pushes to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers at Migori border post

The Principal Secretary for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Dr. Caroline Karugu, has underscored the strategic importance of the Isebania–Sirari One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) as a primary gateway for regional trade. In a series of high-level discussions in Migori, Dr. Karugu focused on the immediate need to dismantle Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that continue to impede the movement of goods between Kenya and Tanzania.

The working session with Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko addressed the specific administrative and regulatory hurdles found along the southern corridor. Dr. Karugu noted that Migori serves as a critical link to regional markets, and the elimination of these barriers is essential for the economic integration of the EAC member states.

The Isebania–Sirari OSBP is one of the busiest transit points in the region, handling a high volume of commercial traffic and pedestrian movement daily. Despite its status as a modernized facility, traders often face delays linked to repeated product testing, varied licensing requirements, and inconsistent fees that extend beyond standard customs duties.

During the meeting, the Principal Secretary emphasized that a coordinated approach between the national government and county leadership is required to improve border efficiency. Reducing these delays is expected to lower the cost of doing business for transporters and small-scale traders who rely on the corridor for their livelihoods.

Governor Ochilo Ayacko expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting these reforms, noting that the county's proximity to the border makes it a focal point for cross-border investment. The talks progressed the agenda of harmonizing regulations to ensure that the infrastructure investment at the OSBP translates into tangible economic gains.

The focus on the Isebania–Sirari post comes at a time when the EAC Secretariat is pushing for broader regional compliance with trade protocols. Experts note that NTBs can significantly impact the final price of consumer goods, as additional charges and long waiting times are often passed down the supply chain.

The engagement in Migori reflects a broader effort by President Ruto’s administration to foster stronger ties with neighboring states through improved infrastructure and trade facilitation. By addressing the bottlenecks at the local level, the government aims to create a more predictable environment for international logistics.

Efforts to streamline the OSBP also include looking at security and the illegal routes often used to bypass formal processing. Improving the formal experience for traders is seen as a way to encourage more businesses to use the official border post, which in turn improves data collection and revenue management for both nations.

Dr. Karugu’s statement confirmed that Migori remains a priority in the regional integration agenda. The discussions concluded with a shared resolution to monitor the progress of barrier removal and to maintain a dialogue between border officials and the trading community to prevent new hurdles from emerging.