As Kenya continues to face a serious shortage and rise in the cost of food items such as sugar and maize flour, Tanzania has banned the export of food grains.
The decision came after Tanzanian authorities impounded 10 trucks transporting food products reportedly heading to Kenya over the weekend.
Reports also indicate that police on Tuesday impounded a further 30 trucks full of maize that was heading to Kenya. Confirming the incident, Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Hamisi Issah stated that police had arrested the truck drivers and are aiding in investigations.
The arrest came a day after Tanzanian authorities banned the export of unprocessed grain products.
Police believe that the arrested are part of a ring involved in smuggling grains from Tanzania to Kenya.
[caption caption="Photo of the consignment impounded"]
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While announcing the decision, Tanzania's Prime Minister (PM) Kassim Majira noted that smuggling of food was a threat to the country's food security, hence, the need to protect the existing stock.
Earlier on, media reports had indicated that Kenyans were crossing the border into neighbouring countries to get food items and other commodities at a cheaper cost.
The PM disclosed that anyone caught smuggling food to any of her neighbours would face the full force of the law.
He added that the cargo would be donated to the National Food Reserve and the truck donated to the Police Force.
“From today on, whoever will be caught smuggling food to neighbouring countries, the contraband cargo will be confiscated and handed to the National Food Reserve, and the truck used for smuggling will be donated to the Police Force,” he said.
Meanwhile, government officials from Kenya and Tanzania have begun talks to ensure the release of the 40 trucks of food products that were seized by Tanzanian authorities.
Kenya is currently facing a serious shortage of maize with the government importing maize, wheat and rice to fill the deficit.
[caption caption="File photo of Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majira"]
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