Kenya Downplays Tanzania Tensions, Assures Kenyans’ Safety
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has attempted to reassure Kenyans operating enterprises in Tanzania that they are secure.
This comes amid growing public disquiet about recent policy limits imposed by the Tanzanian government.
Murkomen spoke at a media event in Kajiado on Friday, addressing concerns raised by Tanzania’s recent decision to prohibit foreigners from participating in 15 types of small enterprises.
The decision, announced earlier this week, has stirred debate about how it will affect Kenyans who work across borders.
Despite the development, Murkomen advocated calm and diplomatic patience, noting that the situation does not require reprisal but rather conversation.
Kenyans safe in Tanzania as Tanzanians are in Kenya, CS Murkomen affirms amid new business laws pic.twitter.com/ojOHAUcwW5
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 1, 2025
“There’s nothing to retaliate against because these are things that can be handled by the two governments. I believe that Kenyans are safe in Tanzania, just as Tanzanians are safe in Kenya,” he said.
He noted that the two countries’ relationship remained strong, based on mutual respect and regional collaboration.
“We enjoy one of the best relationships with Tanzania. We have proper and robust mechanisms in the East African Community (EAC) treaty that are actively being used to resolve the outstanding issues,” Murkomen stated.
The CS reaffirmed Kenya’s status as a regional hub for diplomacy, trade, and hospitality, emphasizing the country’s long tradition of welcoming visitors from throughout Africa and beyond.
“And it’s not just Tanzanians — we also host refugees and citizens from many other countries around the world.”
Murkomen cited planned cooperative initiatives, such as regional sports tournaments and cultural exchanges, as examples of the two countries’ continuous collaboration and friendship.
He regarded these occasions as opportunities to develop interpersonal relationships and foster greater understanding.
Murkomen finished by urging civilians to let diplomatic processes unfold, stating that both governments are dedicated to protecting their citizens’ rights and safety.
His comments came a day after his Trade and Industry counterpart, Lee Kinyanjui, said Kenya could retaliate against Tanzania’s decision to prohibit foreigners from starting small businesses and providing some services.
The East African nation’s order, which carries substantial fines for violators, takes effect immediately, with the exception of current license holders.
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During a Wednesday briefing, Kinyanjui stated that Tanzania’s move is substantive and contradicts the primary purpose of regional economic integration under the Common Market Protocol.
“We cannot rule it out (retaliation), but that will be the last resort but first we want to apply diplomacy and we believe Tanzania will reverse the decision,” the CS said.
The new Prohibition Order prohibits foreigners from engaging in 15 types of business operations.
These include ordinary wholesale and retail trading, mobile money transfers, cell phone and computer maintenance, and salon services.
Kenya Downplays Tanzania Tensions, Assures Kenyans’ Safety
