Silent wars unhealthy for Kenya, Tanzania

Recent events that have seen Kenya and Tanzania frown at each other are worrying. This is because a lot is at stake regionally should the frosty relations continue. The truth is, every country needs her neighbours.

Last year alone, Kenya exported goods worth Sh35 billion to Tanzania. On the other hand, Tanzanian imports into Kenya amounted to Sh12.8 billion, the highest source of the Kenya’s imports in Africa after South Africa.

The two countries share the Serengeti plains, which is an important tourist corridor, and whose optimum operation calls for seamless movement of tourists in the two East African nations.

Continued push and pull between the two neighbours imperils the spirit of intra-Africa trade, which has been hailed as the panacea for growth of African economies.

The integration of the East African Community which, in addition to Kenya and Tanzania, also comprises Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan is vital for the growth of the economies of the member states.

We urge the two governments to move with urgency to normalise relations. This will unlock movement of goods and people across the borders.

Last week’s meeting between Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed and her Tanzanian counterpart Augustine Mahinga on trade issues between the two nations showed that there is political will and that the hurdles can be overcome. Citizens of the two countries have a lot to gain from cordial relations between Dar and Nairobi.