The conversion of Malaba into a One Stop Border Post OSBP has resulted into substantial time saving for cargo processing from 24 hours to four hours only, leading into cost savings amounting to more than US$70m per annum.
According to a new report, the development at Malaba and other border posts that were turned into OSBPs in East Africa has been driven by improved information exchange and working environment for border officials and improved safety and security for border traffic.
Further, the report indicates that twelve out of fifteen OSBPs earmarked years ago for development in East African Community (EAC) have been completed, 10 of them operational and cutting the cost of doing business in the region.
The 12 OSBPs, representing 80 per cent completion are: Gasenyi/Nemba, Ruhwa, Rusumo, Lunga Lunga/Horohoro, Holili/Taveta, Kagitumba/Mirama Hills, Mutukula, Kabanga/Kobero and Malaba. Others are Isebania/Sirari, Busia and Namanga.
The construction for Katuna/Gatuna OSBP is ongoing, and the report further indicates that efforts are underway to embark on phase two for additional OSBPs with the EAC and with the neighbouring non-EAC regional economic blocs (RECs).
Also, the report indicates several instruments and frameworks have been prepared to support the OBSPs and that these include the East African One Stop Border Posts Act 2016; The East African One Stop Border Post Regulations 2017.
The EAC OSBP Procedures Manual, the OSBP Performance Measurement Guide; the OSBP training curriculum and OSBP Source Book are all under preparation.
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