Evaluating the impact of border management strategies on illicit trade reduction in Kenya’s Ooe stop border post of Busia

Peter, Mauti Igesha (2025) Evaluating the impact of border management strategies on illicit trade reduction in Kenya’s Ooe stop border post of Busia. GRADUS, 12 (2). ISSN 2064-8014

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Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of border management strategies on illicit trade reduction in Kenya’s One-Stop Border post (OSBP) of Busia. A descriptive research design was used. The target population comprised community members living along the border, law enforcement officers, and relevant government officials such as chiefs and immigration officers, all of whom had valuable information regarding the issue. Purposive sampling was used to select the residents along the Kenya-Uganda border and they were 156 in total. Purposive sampling was also used to select law enforcement officers, chiefs, and immigration officials. The questionnaire used was researcher-administered. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the residents while interview schedule guides were used to obtain information from law enforcement officers, chiefs, and immigration officials. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r)at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from Kenya’s One Stop Border Post of Busia reveal that corruption and weak enforcement mechanisms are the primary factors driving illicit trade along the Kenya-Uganda border, accounting for 27% and 21% of respondent feedback, respectively. Smuggling routes (19%) also play a significant role, facilitating the illegal movement of goods. Additional contributors include cross-border demand (11%), political instability (9%), inadequate infrastructure (8%), and poverty (5%), each exacerbating the problem to varying degrees. Statistical analysis shows the critical role of technological adoption, inter-agency collaboration, and stringent border control measures in mitigating illicit trade. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficients demonstrate strong negative correlations between these variables and illicit trade prevalence, indicating that increased adoption of technology, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and stricter border inspections significantly reduce illicit trade. Recommendations include implementing robust anti-corruption measures, equipping and training border officials, investing in advanced surveillance technologies, and fostering inter-agency coordination with integrated policies to ensure a comprehensive and unified approach to combating illicit trade.

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