Manufacturers warn Tanzania’s instability could lead to mass job losses in Kenya
By Aloys Michael, November 4, 2025Kenyan manufacturers are sounding the alarm over rising regional unrest, warning that turmoil in neighboring countries could threaten East Africa’s economic stability.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando, highlighted the internet shutdown in Tanzania during elections as a major setback, saying it had severely affected the telecom sector and disrupted essential services.
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“Whatever is happening in any of our neighbouring countries should be a concern to us because we trade amongst ourselves because we trade among ourselves and the impact from the instability can affect in terms of jobs and other key areas that we trade with Tanzania,” he said.
He explained that the blackout had ripple effects on traders, logistics operators, SMS services, and even petrol stations, causing wider economic losses.
Alando noted that regional security remains a key priority for businesses, as instability in Tanzania and Sudan continues to disrupt trade routes, travel, and supply chains.
“The blackout had ripple effects across the economy, hitting traders, logistics operators, SMS services, and even petrol stations. Regional security remains a top priority for businesses, as instability in Tanzania and Sudan continues to disrupt trade routes, travel, and supply chains,” he said.
“Leaders in the East African Community and across Africa must remember that they can be held accountable even after their terms end. Holding power does not grant the right to act without consequences,” he said.
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At the same time, on behalf of the manufacturers, Alando called on the African Union and the East African Community (EAC) leaders to act swiftly to restore peace and address citizens’ grievances before the situation escalates further.
He further warned that such disruptions undermine investor confidence and threaten to roll back gains made in regional integration, particularly for manufacturers and exporters who rely on seamless movement of goods and data across borders.
Kenya-Tanzania ties
Kenya and Tanzania are key trading partners with business exchange across key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, where Kenyans import maize, onions, and tomatoes from the East African nation.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s trade with Tanzania has seen notable fluctuations over recent years. In 2024, exports from Kenya to Tanzania stood at Ksh67.20 billion, while imports reached Ksh58.72 billion, narrowing the trade surplus by Ksh8.48 billion.
Shortages of food, fuel, and money hit Tanzania, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), after protests erupted on Wednesday last week during the country’s general elections.
Despite the seemingly low turnout, Tanzania’s electoral commission reported that the incumbent, Samia Suluhu, had won by a landslide with 98 per cent of votes, scooping 31.9 million votes out of the 32 million votes.