The future of trade between Kenya and Tanzania suffered another blow following accusations by Tanzanian Government officials.
The country's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prof Adolf Mkenda claims that the Kenyan government has stopped the importation of rice from the country over claims of poor quality and packaging.
He stated that they would be seeking an explanation on the ban and was optimistic that the issues would be negotiated for the best interests of the two countries.
Another issue on contention was that 15 lorries carrying wheat flour had been stopped from entering Kenya and were stranded at the border according to The Citizen.
Prof Mkenda accused revenue officials of frustrating another Company, Bakhresa, by overvaluing its products, leading to unfair taxation by KRA.
The PS also alleged that the government was aware of reports that a consignment of beer from Tanzania was confiscated in Kenya.
“We have seen on social media platforms that consignments of beer have been confiscated in Kenya, but our High Commissioner is working on the matter,” he explained.
He has called upon traders to be very patient as both governments strive to resolve the challenges which were hindering the cross-border trade.
Early 2018, the Tanzanian government imposed a ban on confectionery products over claims that the sugar used was sourced from countries outside the East African Community
