The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will play a key logistical role in once the new major road connecting the horn of Africa countries is complete. The road, under the banner Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), was launched in Isiolo town.

The road will connect Kenya to Somalia and to Ethiopia. The Isiolo-Mandera regional road corridor—the primary project area—traverses the North Eastern counties of Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa. Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia have long common borders, with many potential locations for developing border posts to facilitate trade. KRA is ready to establish One Stops Border Posts (OSBPs) in the border points where the road join the nighbouring countries at Rhamu and Mandera OSBP to ensure business thrives andthat  the right revenue is collected.

Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Ms Lilian Nyawanda, said KRA will in the HoAGDP is to facilitate expedited movement of goods (imports & Exports) and persons at the Kenya/Ethiopia border, facilitate Cross-border trade between Kenya and Somalia, upon opening of the borders, electronically monitor cargo along the Isiolo – Mandera Route, secure cargo along the route and simplify Cross-border trade between Kenya and neighboring countries.

On specific activities, Commissioner Nyawanda said: “KRA through Customs will establish and utilize One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at facilitate trade between Kenya and Ethiopia and Somalia, Geo-fencing of the Isiolo – Mandera Route – to facilitate electronic monitoring of cargo along the route, and establish KRA Rapid Response Unit (RRU) Offices along the route, to complement the electronic cargo tracking system.”

Other KRA initiatives in the new road, according to Commissioner Nyawanda include; installation of Cargo Surveillance Systems, installation of Smart Gates at Rhamu and Mandera OSBP, deployment of Enforcement equipment like Surveillance drones, Motor Vehicles and Drug detection equipment.

The Horn of Africa (HoA), comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, is also growing quickly, with the population expected to reach 250 million by 2030. The HoA Initiative offers opportunities to transform the economies of the region through creating an enabling environment for developing their existing potential. The project is funded by World Bank.

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