Kenya Protests Tanzania's Ban on Foreign Businesses

Kenya has formally protested Tanzania's new directive banning foreigners from 15 small-scale business activities, arguing it violates the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol and threatens regional integration. The ban, signed by Tanzania's Trade Minister Selemani Jafo, targets sectors such as mobile money transfers, retail, salons, and tour guiding, with violators facing significant fines or jail time. Kenyan leaders and business groups have condemned the move as discriminatory, warning it could harm the estimated 40,000 Kenyans living and working in Tanzania and strain bilateral relations. Regional leaders, including Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni, have called for the removal of such non-tariff barriers to preserve EAC cooperation. The controversy has led to calls for urgent dialogue among EAC member states and suggestions of possible retaliation by Kenya if the issue remains unresolved. The dispute has raised questions about Tanzania's commitment to the EAC treaty and economic inclusivity for East Africans.