Narok Governor Samuel Tunai wants the government to open three border points along the Kenya-Tanzania border to increase business and tourism.
The governor said Sand River border point should be reopened for tourism while Iltulele and Olposimoru should be made legal entry points for commercial purposes.
Speaking on Sunday at Sokoine grounds in Mugumu town, Tanzania, during the 8th Mara Day celebrations, Tunai said both county and national governments are losing millions to illicit trade.
Tanzania's Water Minister Makame Mbarawa was the chief guest while East Africa Community CAS Ken Obura led the Kenyan delegation to the event to raise awareness on the dangers facing the Mara River Basin.
Lake Victoria Basin Commission executive secretary Ally-Said Matano Tanzania's Ambassador to Kenya Pindi Chana attended. Kenya will host the 9th celebrations in Narok.
“As we speak, people are moving from one country to another using illegal entry points because they cannot go all the way to Sirare or Namanga. We want more legal entry points. This will also help employment and development,” Matano said.
Namanga in Kajiado and Sirare in Migori have one-stop border posts that have strengthened cross-border trade between the two countries. There are 13 one-stop border posts in East Africa.
Governor Tunai said Sand River was a legal entry point but it was closed after the EAC collapsed. However, it was not reopened when the EAC was revived. If reopened, it will ease the movement of tourists between Kenya and Tanzania.
Tunai said he has engaged President Uhuru Kenyatta on the opening the three border posts.
“The President has accepted that there is a need to open more border posts to increase business and integration of people," he said.
While hailing the government for constructing the Narok Sekenani Gate, the governor said plans are underway to build an international airport at Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
He urged people living across the Kenya-Tanzania border to stop cattle rustling. “Let us live harmoniously as brothers and sisters," he said.
Edited by R.Wamochie
