PS accuses Tanzania of harming local businesses

By Renson Mnyamwezi

Levying new entry fees by the Tanzanian Government is aimed at frustrating local businessmen, a PS has said.

Immigration and Registration of Persons PS Emmanuel Kisombe said the move was not in line with the spirit of the East African Community.

"The introduction of the new entry fees is frustrating local businessmen and Tanzania Government should look into the issue. The EAC should provide for level ground for the citizens of the five member States," said Kisombe.

He added: "It becomes frustrating when it comes to the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol by Tanzania authorities."

Speaking to The Standard on the telephone on Tuesday, Mr Kisombe said officials of the two governments would soon meet to end the controversy that has brought tension at the Kenya-Tanzania border in Taveta District.

"We are liaising with the EAC Secretariat and the ministry of Foreign Affairs so as to urgently meet with authorities in Tanzania to resolve the dispute. There’s a possibility that we’ll meet in a week’s time," said the PS.

Kisombe wondered why local traders going to do business in the neighbouring country were being subjected to harassment while those from Tanzania freely conducted their businesses in Kenya.

trade barriers

"This is ridiculous and in disregard of the EAC spirit for Tanzanian authorities to impose barriers on Kenyan businessmen," said Kisombe.

Operations at the border have been paralysed after local transporters opposed the revised charges.

Under the new fees, drivers and their turn boys are required to pay $200 each (Sh16,600) before being allowed into the country to conduct business, an arrangement they termed as unjustified and unworkable.

On Monday, Taveta DC Heribae Nkaduda chaired a meeting to discuss the standoff between local businessmen and Tanzanian immigration officials, which has adversely affected service delivery at the border.

In attendance were DCs from Rombo, Same, Mwanga, Moshi and Sio districts in Tanzania and police chiefs and immigration officials from both countries