National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has announced that the government has already set aside funds for the construction and expansion of the Malaba–Nairobi Dual Highway, a project he says will open up trade and ease congestion along the busy Malaba border.

Speaking in Teso North Constituency on Friday, October 3, 2025, Wetangula emphasised that infrastructure remains one of the government’s top priorities in driving economic growth and regional integration.

“The Government is prioritising infrastructure as a key pillar towards achieving economic progression. Today, while addressing the people of Teso North Constituency, I assured them that the Government has already allocated funds in the budget for the expansion and construction of the Malaba–Nairobi Dual Highway, with works having commenced at Rironi, aiming to ease the congestion of trucks witnessed along the Malaba border,” Wetangula said.

The Malaba–Nairobi road has long been one of the most crucial transport corridors in East Africa, serving as a key gateway for goods moving between Kenya and Uganda. However, frequent traffic jams caused by long truck queues have slowed trade and inconvenienced border communities.

According to Wetangula, the highway expansion is expected not only to reduce delays but also to improve the movement of goods and services, boosting economic activities along the corridor.

Boost for cross-border trade

Wetangula also underlined the importance of collaboration between Kenya and Uganda in making the region more competitive through better infrastructure and improved trade policies.

“Cognizant of the cross-border potential in the region, I affirmed the commitment of President William Ruto and President Yoweri Museveni, who are working on the modalities of the East African Protocol to enhance trade and the free movement of people, goods, and services, an initiative that will allow our people of Kenya and Uganda to interact more freely,” he said.

The Speaker noted that once completed, the dual highway will play a critical role in shaping the future of trade in the region, as it directly supports the East African integration agenda.