Murkomen upbeat amid Tanzania’s recent trade restrictions on foreigners
By Arnold Ngure, August 1, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has exuded confidence in the brokering of a solution between Kenya and Tanzania over the recent trade restrictions imposed by President Samia Suluhu’s government.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, August 1, 2025, Murkomen said that such diplomatic challenges have arisen in the past, and that the two countries have always reached an agreement.
“We enjoy one of the best relationships with the Republic of Tanzania. We understand that they have put in place a legislative framework that may inhibit business between Kenya and Tanzania,” Murkomen said.
Robust mechanisms
“We have proper and robust mechanisms under the East African Community treaty, we have the EAC Ministry, we have the Ministry responsible for East African Trade and Foreign Affairs, and they are handling those issues.”
Murkomen indicated that the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and those of the relevant ministries were seized of the matter, and that it would soon be resolved.
“I have no doubt in my mind that these issues will be handled. At least there was a grace period for businesses that have a business permit in terms of the application of the domestic law of Tanzania, and I have confidence that engaging with Tanzania diplomatically, we will resolve these issues,” he stated.
History of tension
“We have resolved before; we have had issues of livestock and many issues that have come up, and they have also had issues with us. When they raise it, we have always resolved them, and I have confidence that this is one of those issues that I am not worried about because we will be able to sort it out,” Murkomen noted.
“The Prime Cabinet Secretary, leading the other cabinet ministers dealing with EAC and Trade, is well seized of this matter, and I have confidence that it will be resolved.”
A section of Kenyan political and business leaders has sharply criticised the Tanzanian directive, warning that it could strain cross-border trade and diplomatic ties.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu stated that the move specifically targets Kenyan nationals, citing what he described as a history of unfriendly policies.
“We have consistently seen Tanzania act with hostility towards Kenyans. This is not how they treat nationals from other countries,” Nyutu said.