Busia is unique—it exists as two towns, one in Kenya and one in Uganda, separated by the border. It is more than just a border town; it’s a thriving trade corridor linking Kenya and Uganda, where commerce fuels livelihoods and economic growth.This dynamic makes Busia a vital trade hub in East Africa and one of the busiest border points in the region, playing a key role in transporting goods across East Africa.
Women traders are an integral part of cross-border trade here, driving economic activity and sustaining livelihoods for thousands of families. Organizations like the Busia Women Cross-Border Traders SACCO (Kenya) and the Busia Women Cross-Border Traders Cooperative (Uganda) empower women traders by providing financial services, advocacy, and support networks.
Women Traders Leading Cross-Border Trade
One such trader making an impact in cross-border trade in Busia is Ms. Florence Atieno, Chairlady of the Busia Women Cross-Border Traders SACCO based in Busia, Kenya. Florence trades in cereals amongst other commodities, and has been a cross-border trader for more than 20 years.
She is a
strong advocate for trading through the proper legal channels. She has single-handedly spearheaded the revival of the association for women cross-border traders in Busia. By organizing themselves, women cross-border traders now have a visible presence and audible voice at the border.
Another trader making a significant impact is Ms. Pauline Ikapoloni, the Cereal Leader of the Busia Women Cross Border Traders SACCO. She is a key player in cross-border trade and facilitates the movement of over 16 trailers of grains across the Busia border and supplies wholesalers in Iten, Kitale, Bungoma, and various schools.
Despite their success, women traders like Florence and Pauline continue to struggle with logistical challenges, particularly the lack of proper storage and inspection facilities, which increases business costs.
Challenges in Cross-Border Trade at the Busia Border
Traders encounter numerous non-tariff barriers that hinder the smooth flow of goods between Kenya and Uganda. The border clearance process is often slow due to poorly coordinated government agencies such as KRA, Port Health, KEPHIS, and KEBS. The lack of clear communication and overlapping responsibilities between agencies adds to the confusion and inefficiencies at the border. Additionally, the absence of dedicated spaces at the Busia border for fumigation and testing causes further delays, often leading to financial losses due to product spoilage and increased operational costs.
Women traders specifically experience unfair treatment just because of their gender and face safety risks, such as harassment and exploitation, due to the lack of proper security measures at border areas. This discrimination prevents them from having the same opportunities as men in the trade industry.
In addition, many women traders don’t have enough information about the rules and processes for cross-border trade at the Busia border. As a result, they miss opportunities and face delays. For Example, The Simplified Trade Regime (STR) was created to help small-scale traders by making border procedures easier, lowering customs fees, and simplifying the trade process for goods less than $2,000. However, many women traders are unable to take advantage of this initiative because they lack awareness or access to accurate information.
Overcoming Challenges for Women Traders
To unlock the full potential of women-led cross-border trade, it is crucial to:
✔️Develop and implement regular training programs in collaboration with government agencies that focus on the rules, regulations, and available trade schemes (e.g., STR).
✔️Advocate for the establishment of fumigation and inspection facilities at the Busia border to reduce the reliance on external services which sometimes result in fake certificates.
✔️Work with agencies to lower fumigation costs, making it more affordable for small-scale traders to comply with plant health and safety regulations.
✔️ Streamline border clearance processes through better coordination of different agencies and implement digital systems to reduce delays and inefficiencies.
✔️ Improve access to proper storage facilities to ensure the quality and safety of goods and minimize losses due to poor handling.
By addressing these gaps, women traders can expand their businesses, boost regional trade, and create more economic opportunities for others. Simplified border procedures will especially benefit women entrepreneurs, who form the backbone of regional trade and are disproportionately affected by trade barriers.
✔️Develop and implement regular training programs in collaboration with government agencies that focus on the rules, regulations, and available trade schemes (e.g., STR).
✔️Advocate for the establishment of fumigation and inspection facilities at the Busia border to reduce the reliance on external services which sometimes result in fake certificates.
✔️Work with agencies to lower fumigation costs, making it more affordable for small-scale traders to comply with plant health and safety regulations.
✔️ Streamline border clearance processes through better coordination of different agencies and implement digital systems to reduce delays and inefficiencies.
✔️ Improve access to proper storage facilities to ensure the quality and safety of goods and minimize losses due to poor handling.
By addressing these gaps, women traders can expand their businesses, boost regional trade, and create more economic opportunities for others. Simplified border procedures will especially benefit women entrepreneurs, who form the backbone of regional trade and are disproportionately affected by trade barriers.
Through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, AGMARK is working to turn these challenges into opportunities. By fostering an enabling environment for women traders, trade efficiency can be enhanced, and regional economic growth can be strengthened. To support this mission, stakeholders—including policymakers, development partners, and financial institutions—must collaborate to implement sustainable solutions that empower women traders.Investing in their success means investing in the broader economic prosperity of East Africa.