The Sirari Corridor Accessibility and Road Safety Improvement Project is an important
infrastructure effort designed to boost trade and logistics efficiency at the Kenya-Tanzania border.
This corridor links Isebania in Kenya to Mwanza in Tanzania through the Sirari border, acting as
a vital route for exporting horticultural products, grains, and other agricultural goods. The project
aims to enhance road infrastructure, improve border post operations, and ensure transport safety,
thereby making cross-border trade more efficient.
This initiative is backed by TradeMark Africa (TMA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and
the East African Community (EAC), in partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority
(KeNHA) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS). It is in line with the East
African Trade and Transport Facilitation Strategy, which seeks to minimize non-tariff barriers
(NTBs) and address logistics challenges in regional trade.
Implementation Status
Implementation of this project has entailed the following interventions geared towards boosting
efficiencies in trade and transport:
- Road Upgrades: Key road sections have been rehabilitated and expanded, leading to
reduced congestion and improved transport speeds for freight trucks. - Border Post Modernization: Enhancements at the Isebania/Sirari One-Stop Border Post
(OSBP) have streamlined customs clearance and minimized transit delays for exports. - Safety Enhancements: Road safety initiatives, such as dedicated truck lanes, pedestrian
crossings, and improved signage have been introduced to lower accident rates. - Trade Facilitation: Exporters of horticultural products are experiencing quicker clearance
times, improved road conditions, and lower logistical costs.
Key Findings
The project has successfully cut the average clearance time at the Sirari border by more than
50%, allowing for quicker export of perishable goods. Moreover, since its launch, there has been
a 25% increase in the volume of fresh produce exports through the corridor. The enhancements
have resulted in a 30% decrease in road accidents involving freight transport, promoting safer
movement of goods.
Delays in completing certain road sections, limited digital integration of border processes, and
occasional congestion at the OSBP.