We must clear political mistrust to strengthen East African Community

EAC flag. [File, Standard]

A few years ago, a prominent Kenyan businessman went to Iringa, Tanzania, and bought a number of tea farms and a factory. He invested millions of dollars in the deal and was expecting to put in more.

His investment would have boosted Tanzanian tea exports and created hundreds of new jobs. Before nine months were over, he was visited by the TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) who demanded taxes in advance. He argued that he had just started his investment and had not made any profits yet. It didn't make any difference and within two years he sold off his investment, citing continuous harassment.