By Roselyne Obala
Kenya and Uganda have agreed to promote cross-border business and security.
Cheptais DC Omar Salat and Uganda’s Manafwa resident DC Henry Nalianya said a new route will be opened at Chepkube in Mt Elgon District to enhance trade.
Chepkube township was famously known as Soko ya Magendo (smuggling centre) in 1970s.
Mr Salat applauded the good relationship between Kenya and Uganda. He urged Kenyans and Ugandans to maintain peace and order at the border and avoid smuggling of coffee, firearms and cattle. “We have to co-operate to end the vices and enhance trade,” said the DC after a meeting at Buwagogo Sub-County grounds at the weekend. The two leaders vowed to champion education of children to improve local living standards.
Construct bridge
They also agreed to beef up security along the borders to curb smuggling.
Kenya Revenue Authority has toured Chepkube and urged Ministry of Roads to construct a bridge to ease operations. Mr Nalianya assured Kenyan students in Uganda of their security. MPs Tonny Kipoi of Bubulo West constituency and Simon Mulongo of Bubulo East accompanied the Uganda DC.
Kenya team comprised of Mt Elgon OCPD Ezekiel Kiche, Cheptais OCS Joice Mutisya, councillors, and chiefs. Uganda MPs promised to cooperate with their Kenyan counterparts to come up with legislations to fight crime.
A similar meeting will be held in Kenya at Cheptais District headquarters during Jamhuri Day celebrations this year.
