On 28 September 2026, STAWI Development Initiative engaged Kenda Mbola Traders Saving Group at Khabikenga Border Area to understand the economic activities, challenges and opportunities shaping livelihoods within this border community.
With 41 members; 30 women and 11 men, the group is actively involved in coffee and sugar trading, farming and horticulture, boda-boda services and other small businesses. Coffee trading emerged as a major economic activity, with significant opportunities for growth, improved quality, value addition and access to wider markets.
The engagement also highlighted challenges including fluctuating commodity prices and exchange rates, multiple charges, limited information on formal cross-border trade procedures and risks associated with informal trade.
STAWI identified opportunities to strengthen the group through financial literacy, business management, market and price information, legitimate cross-border trade awareness, collective marketing and coffee value addition.
At STAWI, we believe that empowering local traders with knowledge, networks and opportunities can transform border communities into stronger and more resilient local economies.
