Security committee flags security gaps at Malaba border
By Faith Lagat, March 29, 2026The Administration and Internal Security Committee of the Kenyan Parliament has raised serious concerns over infrastructure deficiencies and security challenges at the Malaba Border Post in Busia County following an inspection visit on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The busy crossing, a key artery for regional trade along the Northern Corridor, is struggling under high traffic volumes, prompting urgent calls for upgrades to prevent operational bottlenecks and security risks.
Security challenges
The visit uncovered additional issues affecting border management. Frequent power outages disrupt operations, while officers contend with inadequate transport and poor housing conditions.
Officials from various agencies, including the Director Saku MP Dido Rasso, Deputy County Commissioner, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and Immigration, highlighted several challenges during the committee’s engagement.
These challenges impact staff efficiency and morale. The Director of Immigration presented evidence of attempted forgery, including a case where an individual tried to replicate an official security stamp to facilitate fraudulent cargo clearance.
“In his remarks, the Director highlighted the inadequacy of the current road network, noting that the carriageway is too narrow to accommodate the large number of trailers that transit through the border daily. This, he said, contributes to congestion and delays in cargo clearance.”
This highlights the growing sophistication of cross-border crimes, including document fraud, which could expose Kenya to revenue loss, smuggling, and broader security threats.
Infrastructure strains
The Director noted that the narrow carriageway is unable to handle the large fleet of trailers passing through daily, causing congestion and delays in cargo clearance.
The existing warehouse was also flagged as inadequate, constructed without foresight for current cargo volumes, resulting in operational bottlenecks that increase the risk of damage or loss to goods.
Teso North MP and Committee Member Oku Kaunya emphasised Malaba’s strategic importance, describing it as the second-largest entry point in the country, handling about 73 percent of cargo traffic. He called for immediate infrastructure upgrades, including expanding the road into a dual carriageway.
Kaunya also proposed elevating Malaba to a full passport issuance centre to better serve travellers and streamline processes. On security, he noted that plans for a new police station remain stalled despite available land, urging the committee to fast-track the project.
Regional implications
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issues raised. Members assured stakeholders that recommendations would be prioritised to equip Malaba for its role in facilitating trade with Uganda and beyond while safeguarding national security.
The border’s importance is expected to grow with regional integration efforts, including planned Standard Gauge Railway extensions toward Malaba.
Stakeholders note that without swift interventions such as road expansion, warehouse upgrades, reliable power supply, improved staff welfare, and stronger anti-fraud measures, the border risks becoming a liability rather than an economic asset.