This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
On July 23, 2021, the State Department for East Africa and the County Government of Busia, in collaboration with Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA), embarked on the construction of a Sh30.6 million Safe Trade Zone to protect traders from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Located in Busia County, the facility will have a capacity of 300 stalls and will be constructed in two phases at a total cost of Sh53 million, with the first phase costing Sh30.6 million.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony, East African Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Kevit Desai emphasized the government's commitment to increasing trade levels in the region from 15% to 60%.
“Cross border traders are key to the region attaining the desired levels of inter-regional trade. As a government, we are committed to building the capacity of cross-border traders and facilitating them more,” Dr. Desai said.
Dr. Desai stated that the Busia Safe Trade Zone Market will be constructed and managed in strict compliance with health protocols to ensure trade continues without the risk of COVID-19 transmissions to traders, customers, and authorities operating within the markets.
The facility will be funded by a consortium of donors, including the development agencies of Canada, the European Union, Netherlands, and Ireland, through Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA).
Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi thanked the National Government and other partners for supporting Busia County through the facility.
