Written by Saka Richard 2012-05-07 17:32:00 Read 632 Times

The Government intends to set up a market center at Suam Border to boost trade; this is after the Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) allocated a 5 acre piece of land to the Kenya Revenue Authority and the ministry of Immigration at Suam forest in Trans Nzoia County.

Speaking to West Fm on phone, Kwanza DC Gabriel Risie said the government agencies agreed on the deal to put up a building which will house the offices of immigration and KRA for economic gains.

The area has for long remained without a marketing centre due to the forest as compared to the Ugandan side which has a market center, making the country to lose a lot in terms revenue collection.

“The aim is to open up the border point to enhance business with Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan,” said Mr. Risie.

The DC also said they have made a proposal to the KFS to allocate 120 acres of land to Nzoia County Council to help establish a satellite market center at the border to spur economic development in the region.

“We made the proposal and it is awaiting cabinet approval for it to become operational,” he said.

There have been numerous calls by leaders from various sectors that part of the forest be cleared to open up business between Kenya and Uganda and South Sudan.

Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa who is also the area legislator said the Kenya Forestry Service has done all the paperwork needed for the degazzetment of the forest land and presented it to his office.

“I received the paperwork and will soon present a motion in parliament to debate on the matter,” said the Forestry minister.

He also noted that the government had allocated funds for the tarmacking of Kitale- Endebess - Suam road which is the only road that connects Trans Nzoia County and the neighboring country.

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