In response to Tanzania's recent move to block Kenyans from starting certain businesses in the neighbouring state, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has asked the government to ban Tanzanian businesses in Kenya.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 30 July, Cherargei urged President William Ruto’s administration to take action by banning Tanzanian businesses operating in Kenya.
He also suggested removing street beggars from Tanzania from Kenyan cities and towns.
"The Kenyan government must retaliate by also banning Tanzanian businesses in Kenya, including street beggars from Tanzania in our cities and towns," he stated.
The Ruto ally also urged the Tanzanian government to reconsider its decision, as it could hinder the integration process of the East African Community (EAC).
“H.E. Suluhu’s government should reconsider its ban on Kenya’s businesses because Kenya is one of Tanzania’s key business partners. This ban could hurt the East African Community (EAC) integration process and break EAC trade agreements,” Cherargei said.
Cherargei's comments followed the Tanzanian government's decision to block foreigners, including Kenyan businesspeople, from operating or establishing 15 small- and medium-sized businesses in the country.
According to Selemani Saidi Jafo, Tanzania's Minister for Industry and Trade, the affected businesses operate in the mining, tourism, agriculture, environment and technology sectors.
Other affected businesses include salons (unless they are located in a hotel or operate for tourism purposes), home and office services, environmental cleanliness services, mobile money transfer services, mobile phone and electronic device repair services, and small-scale mining services.
The list also includes postal and parcel delivery services, tour guiding, establishing and operating radio and TV stations, operating museums and curio shops, business and real estate broking, and clearing and forwarding services.
Foreigners are banned from farming, crop purchasing operations, and the ownership or operation of gambling machines or devices, except within casinos. They are also banned from owning or operating micro and small industries.
"Upon coming into effect of this Order, a non-citizen who holds a valid licence in respect of any of the business activities specified in the Schedule shall continue carrying out such activity up to such time when the licence expires," the notice read.
