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Sudan initiates efforts to open a contested trade route with Kenya

Enhancement of trade relations between Kenya and South Sudan, as claimed by the NCTTCA, would be bolstered with the development of the Nadopal-Nakodok road link. The economic worth of this inter-country trade amounted to approximately Sh29.5 billion in the year 2013.

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Sudan initiates efforts to open contested major trading route with Kenya
Sudan initiates efforts to open contested major trading route with Kenya

Sudan initiates efforts to open a contested trade route with Kenya

The construction of a 11-kilometre road linking Kenya and South Sudan is set to commence soon, marking a significant step in regional infrastructure development. This project, which aims to cut the cost of transport between the two nations, is part of a larger project, the Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA). The South Sudan government has approved the NCTTCA's proposal to develop the road, which will be built on the disputed Ilemi Triangle border [2].

Trade between Kenya and South Sudan is important but relatively modest, with South Sudan's total intra-African trade valued at about $1 billion, while Kenya ranks higher with $5.7 billion in 2024 intra-African trade [1][4]. Most South Sudanese imports come through Kenya's Mombasa port; however, high transport costs have been a barrier, making trade particularly difficult for South Sudanese small businesses [3]. The improved road in the Ilemi Triangle is expected to reduce transport costs and transit times, facilitating greater trade flow and economic integration.

Besides trade facilitation, this infrastructure development could also strengthen regional cooperation, as the Ilemi Triangle is a disputed area bordering Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. By enabling a formal, faster trade corridor, the road project may reduce border friction and improve bilateral relations [2].

In the broader regional context, while East African Community countries including Kenya and South Sudan have made strides in cross-border trade and the movement of goods and people, challenges remain due to uneven integration and governance issues. South Sudan, as a newer and more fragile member of the regional bloc, faces barriers in mobility and formal harmonization of labor and social policies [5]. The road development may help address some infrastructure-related limitations to trade but would be more effective if complemented by broader policy cooperation and streamlined border protocols.

The development of the road is expected to enhance trade relations between Kenya and South Sudan, contributing to economic growth in both nations. Other developments in the region include a housing pledge to Harambee Stars by Ruto, which is a conditional 'gift' according to Ichung'wa [6]. Additionally, Gachagua is expected to return from the US next week, and Babu Owino has proposed a Bill to expunge criminal records for minor offenders [7].

[1] https://tradingeconomics.com/kenya/trade [2] https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001416805/kenya-south-sudan-to-build-road-in-disputed-ilemi-triangle [3] https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001416805/kenya-south-sudan-to-build-road-in-disputed-ilemi-triangle [4] https://tradingeconomics.com/south-sudan/trade [5] https://www.brookings.edu/research/south-sudan-the-challenges-of-regional-integration/ [6] https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001416805/kenya-south-sudan-to-build-road-in-disputed-ilemi-triangle [7] https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001416805/kenya-south-sudan-to-build-road-in-disputed-ilemi-triangle

  1. The construction of a 11-kilometre road linking Kenya and South Sudan, a significant step in regional infrastructure development, is also part of the broader politics of the region.
  2. The development of this road is expected to lead to increased trade between Kenya and South Sudan, contributing to economic growth and business opportunities, but its success may depend on complementary policy-and-legislation and improved transportation systems like public-transit.
  3. The improved road in the Ilemi Triangle, a disputed area bordering Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, could potentially reduce war-and-conflicts by encouraging trade and regional cooperation, and increasing goodwill between the nations.
  4. In the midst of regional infrastructure development, the South Sudanese government's focus on health remains a challenge as the nation continues to struggle with high maternal and child mortality rates and endemic diseases.
  5. The South Sudanese government's approval of the Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority's (NCTTCA) proposal to develop the road is also a decision with implications for the country's finance, as it involves millions of dollars in cash-strapped South Sudan.
  6. The road development, while assisting trade and transportation between Kenya and South Sudan, should not distract from other pressing issues facing the region, such as general-news matters like governance, social engagement, and investments in critical industries like energy and technology.

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