New pact a boost to business

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok. [File, Standard]

A pact mooted to end conflict between Pokot, Turkana and Karamojong communities that live along the Kenya-Uganda border has drawn praise from residents.

The agreement dubbed "Cross-Border Sustainable Peace and Development pact", was signed in Kampala, Uganda, early this month by Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Yoweri Museveni.

Locals, who were interviewed yesterday, said the pact had allowed them to access a variety of goods and services with ease and at cheaper rates.

This is because cross-border movement has been made possible.

“Lodwar town is now enjoying a steady supply of fresh farm produce from the Lokiriama border post unlike before when approaching Lokiriama was unheard off because of fights,” Peter Loreng, a resident said.

Mary Wangechi, who owns a boutique in Lodwar, said fellow traders were reaping big from the improved relations. Ms Wangechi said she was currently buying clothes cheaply in Uganda.

“Commodities such as clothes and food stuffs are cheaper in Moroto, Uganda, compared to Kitale and Eldoret. Business is thriving. It will also be boasted when the road to Lokiriama is completed,” Wangechi said.

A survey on volumes of cross border trade conducted by Turkana County Trade department put inflows of goods from Uganda to Turkana to be worth 19 million.

The survey was conducted at the Lokiriama, border post. Governor Josphat Nanok (pictured) said the agreement will also help bring peace between the border communities which have been raiding each other.