Trade unions are demanding urgent reforms at the Busia border post to address extortion and harassment, arguing that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must improve livelihoods for ordinary traders.

• COTU-K and ITUC-Africa are calling for transparent charges, mandatory receipts, and accessible complaint mechanisms for informal cross-border traders.
• A July 2026 study highlighted issues like unofficial payments, discretionary enforcement, sexual harassment, and intimidation faced by traders at Busia.
• The unions emphasize that AfCFTA's success should be measured by predictable costs, safer borders, secure livelihoods, decent jobs, and stronger productive capacity, not just the volume of goods traded.