Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi now says that the Kenyan government will use diplomacy to handle the trade restrictions imposed on foreign nationals by Tanzania.
Speaking on Thursday, August 7, during a meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration, Mudavadi appealed for patience and dialogue in resolving cross-border issues.
The CS noted that Kenya would explore dialogue and peaceful negotiations as the first option, adding that the government would only explore other alternatives if diplomacy fails.
"Let us not demand confrontation on some of the issues. In case diplomacy does not work, I will declare its failure so that we may engage other channels," Mudavadi stated.
However, the committee members pressed the CS to explain how Kenya had so far benefited from the East African Community (EAC) trade integration.
The MPs also sought to understand whether a lack of political goodwill between Kenya and Tanzania could be a contributing factor to insecurity on Migingo Island.
In response, Mudavadi informed lawmakers that Kenya has formally requested reciprocal treatment by the Tanzanian government to allow Kenyans to do business in the said country.
"In a joint technical meeting of Commissioners of Labour and Chiefs of Immigration of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania held on 13th to 14th January in Kenya, we requested equal treatment on the issuance of a business pass," he said.
The Prime CS defended Kenya's continued engagement with Tanzania, stating that regional integration has contributed to increased trade, investment and Infrastructure development.
He added that EAC's customs Union and Common Market protocols have facilitated the free movement of goods and capital, boosting volumes and creating larger markets for Kenyan businesses.
Musalia warned against adopting xenophobic policies, emphasising the need for African states to foster unity and mutual respect.
"We have seen some situations in some countries where foreigners face discrimination, for example, mothers and children being denied medical treatment in hospitals. Kenya should play a role in fostering the African good," he added.
