President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries at a joint business summit between Kenya and Tanzania broke into laughter after Tanzania President Samia Suluhu cracked a joke on Uhuru's name.
Suluhu and Uhuru addressed the dignitaries at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Wednesday, May 5 after the two countries held talks to foster their relationship.
"Mna bahati kwamba nchi zetu mbili upande mmoja kuna Uhuru wa kufanya biashara na upande mwingine kuna Suluhu ya kuondosha vikwanzo vya biashara. (You are lucky that on one side you have the freedom (Uhuru) to conduct businesses and on the other solutions (Suluhu) to trade hurdles," Suluhu joked after translating both President's names to English.
She added that "The private sector is key to driving growth that will deliver these jobs and open up opportunities."
"Mna bahati kwamba nchi zetu mbili upande mmoja kuna Uhuru wa kufanya biashara na upande mwingine kuna Suluhu ya kuondosha vikwanzo vya biashara." - @SuluhuSamia pic.twitter.com/f6v5fxuRjc
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) May 5, 2021
Uhuru, earlier on, had appeared to be in a gloomy mood as he lectured Cabinet Secretaries on how they should undertake their duties. According to him, CSs are supposed to work with collective responsibility and be initiative as they are tasked with delivering services.
"We do not want to see CSs delaying meetings. A CS wants to wear a nice suit and tie and to waste time drinking tea before meeting another to discuss the day's agenda. Another one is afraid of executing his/her duties.
"I want to see you visiting each other and providing solutions to our problems so that we create jobs for our youths. Why were you appointed to head that office?" Uhuru lamented.
The President added that he would lead by example and wouldn't wait for a Cabinet meeting to issue a number of executive orders. He instructed Trade CS Betty Maina to allow Tanzanians to work in Kenya without restrictions.
"Tanzanians can come to Kenya and work without visas nor work permits. Let them work in Kenya as if they are in Tanzania as long as they obey the law. Kenyans too are obligated to adhere to the law," Uhuru ordered, adding that the Cabinet will ratify the decision.
He further asked Health CSs from both countries to expedite the provision of Covid-19 certificates at the border. Kenya's Transport CS, James Macharia was ordered to ease traffic snarls at Namanga and Taita-Taveta.
Truck drivers crossing the border had complained of long queues and frustrations by border patrols and revenue officials.
Trade CS Peter Munya was ordered to resolve the maize export row between Kenya and her neighbouring countries. Munya had raised concerns over high levels of aflatoxin in maize coming from Uganda and Tanzania.
"You have two weeks to release the maize detained at the border," Uhuru instructed.
