Security Committee Flags Infrastructure and Security Gaps at Malaba Border

 A parliamentary security team has raised alarm over major infrastructure and security shortcomings at the Malaba Border Post following an inspection visit conducted earlier today.

The delegation, led by Dido Rasso, Chair of the Administration and Internal Security Committee, warned that the current state of facilities at the crucial crossing point is inadequate to support its growing role in regional trade.

Officials present during the visit—including representatives from the Kenya Revenue Authority and the local administration—pointed to mounting pressure caused by high cargo volumes, with infrastructure struggling to keep pace.

A key concern highlighted was the narrow road network leading to the border, which has resulted in severe congestion as heavy trucks queue for clearance. Leaders noted that the existing carriageway cannot accommodate the daily influx of trailers, significantly slowing down operations.

The area Member of Parliament, Oku Kaunya, emphasized the strategic importance of Malaba, describing it as one of Kenya’s busiest entry points, handling a substantial share of cargo entering the country. He called for urgent expansion of the road into a dual carriageway to ease traffic and improve efficiency.

“We must modernize this border to match its importance,” Kaunya said, also proposing the elevation of Malaba into a passport issuance center to better serve the high number of travelers crossing daily.

The committee also expressed concern over inadequate warehouse capacity, noting that existing storage facilities are overwhelmed by the volume of goods passing through the border. Officials said this has led to operational bottlenecks and delays in cargo processing.

Security challenges were also brought to the fore, with leaders citing stalled plans to construct a new police station despite land having already been set aside. The delay, they warned, has left the border vulnerable at a time when cross-border crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

An immigration official revealed a recent attempted fraud case involving the replication of an official security stamp to facilitate illegal cargo clearance—an incident that underscores growing risks at the border.

Additional concerns included frequent power outages, lack of reliable transport for officers, and inadequate housing for personnel stationed at the facility.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for urgent reforms, pledging to work with relevant agencies to upgrade infrastructure and strengthen security systems at Malaba.

“As a key gateway for trade within the East African region, Malaba must be equipped to operate efficiently and securely,” Rasso said.

The findings are expected to inform future policy and budgetary interventions aimed at transforming the border post into a modern and secure transit hub.