( 4 minutes read)
· Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Kenya for s two day visit to meet her counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta presumably for sorting out trade disputes between the two countries
· The two countries are now seeking to resolve their tiffs on cross-border trade, including non-tariff barriers
· During the Covid times, the differences took a different turn banning the entry of trucks and drivers from each other’s country, fearing spread of Covid
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Kenya for s two day visit to meet her counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta presumably for sorting out trade disputes between the two countries. The visit, the first one after a gap of five years- her predecessor late Magufuli visited Kenya in 2016- is expected to break ice in sorting out trade disputes between the two East African countries.
Hassan, who became president following the death of her predecessor in March, was given a ceremonial welcome in the Kenyan capital that included a 21 gun salute. As reported by www.trendsnafrica.com both countries are genuinely looking forward to sorting out the skirmishes, that is important not only for ensuring development in the East African region but also for the newly formed AfCFTA.
Under Magufuli’s rule, Kenya and Tanzania had soured relations. Each one was accusing the other of unfair trade practices. During the Covid times, the differences took a different turn banning the entry of trucks and drivers from each other’s country, fearing spread of Covid. The porous borders also witnessed illegal trade and smuggling leading to loss of revenues for both states.
The two countries are now seeking to resolve their tiffs on cross-border trade, including non-tariff barriers. Till recently, Tanzania took a different approach to containing the spread of the pandemic calling it as a curse, which could be tackled only by prayers. Since she came into power after the demise of Magfuli, a committee was set up to look into how the pandemic could be addressed. The recommendations of the committee were still to be out. However, President Samia Suluhu Hassan called on the religious leaders to sensitize people to follow what other countries are implementing against the pandemic, such as extending medical care, testing, vaccination etc. Tanzania has yet to release data on infections since May last year.
