The leaders of Karamoja and Turkana county of Kenya have agreed to establish a cross-border cattle market across the border in Moroto district in Uganda. The decision aims to unite all the region’s pastoralists who have been conflicting across the border.
According to Robert Adupa the sub-county chairperson of Lotisan, that there was a need for the two countries to establish a cross border cattle market on the border of Moroto and Turkana. It will become a meeting point for all the pastoralists and there will be no fighting.
Biggest trading partner
Deputy Governor of Turkana County Peter Lotethoro supported the development and said that the cross border market will cement a good relationship among the pastoralists and boost trade in border communities. Due to increased business with Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, Kenya’s trade registered an increment of 4.7% in 2018, with Uganda remaining Kenya’s biggest trading partner accounting for 28.6% of her total exports to Africa
“This market will attract traders from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and South Sudan and it will make these two conflicting communities form a business ally. We shall allocate land to pave way for construction works to start,” said Lotethoro.
Moses Kizige, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs assured the people of Kenya that the Uganda government was committed to ensuring that the pastoralists were in total peace and they add value addition to their livestock products.
