MP demands urgent action over Tanzania’s ban on Kenyan traders
By Nancy Marende, August 13, 2025Laikipia County Member of Parliament (MP) Jane Kagiri has called on the government to urgently intervene following Tanzania’s recent decision to bar non-citizens from operating in several business sectors, a move she warns could severely affect Kenyan traders.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Kagiri sought a statement from the Leader of the Majority Party on the implications of the ban and the steps being taken to safeguard Kenya’s trade interests.
“I wish to request a statement regarding the effect of the ban by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on the operation of foreign businesses by non-citizens, particularly Kenyans,” she said.
Further, she clarified that the statement was not intended to question or discuss the conduct of any individual or head of state, but rather to draw attention to the “matter of regional policy concern”.
The Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, issued on July 28, 2025, prohibits foreigners from engaging in 15 sectors, including the sale of goods, crop purchasing, and the ownership or operation of micro and small industries.
Kagiri argued that the directive “contradicts the spirit of the East African Community (EAC) integration,” particularly the provisions on free movement of goods, services, capital, and people under the EAC Treaty of 2000. She warned that the move could undermine regional integration and reverse gains made under the EAC Common Market Protocol.
She reminded the House of a 2019 trade dispute in which Kenya imposed higher levies and import duties on goods from EAC states, a move that drew strong objections from Tanzania.
In 2023, Parliament repealed the provision in the spirit of regional cooperation, a decision she said had left local manufacturers facing stiffer competition from cheaper imports
“In the spirit of regional cooperation, this House, through the Finance Act, 2023, repealed the 2019 provision.”
She added that the repeal had hurt local manufacturers who now face stiffer competition from low-priced imports.
“It ought not to be lost on us that our good neighbour, the United Republic of Tanzania, which previously expressed concern over trade restrictions, has now imposed similar prohibitions on Kenya, despite the reciprocal action that this House took.”
The legislator sought answers on the immediate actions by the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Regional Integration to secure a reversal of Tanzania’s order. She further urged the National Assembly to invite the Prime Cabinet Secretary to brief members on government measures to address the ban’s impact on Kenyan traders.
Kagiri emphasised the need for urgent diplomatic engagement to protect Kenya’s trade interests and uphold the principles of the EAC common market.