Wamae urges govt to emulate Tanzania in creating business-friendly environment
By Nancy Marende, July 31, 2025Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has urged the government to take strategic cues from neighbouring Tanzania in creating a conducive environment for businesses.
This is after Tanzania formally prohibited non-citizens from engaging in a list of 15 specified business activities following the issuance of a new legal order under The Business Licensing Act (Cap. 101).
The 15 businesses prohibited for non-citizens include the wholesale and retail sale of goods, excluding supermarkets, specialised product outlets, and wholesale centres for local products; mobile money transfers; repair of mobile phones and electronic devices; salon businesses, unless conducted in a hotel or for tourism purposes; home, office, and environmental cleanliness services; and small-scale mining.
Others include postal activities and parcel delivery within the country, tour guiding, publishing and operation of radio and television, operation of kiosks or small shops, brokering of agencies in business and real estate, clearing and forwarding services, on-farm and off-farm purchasing services, operation of gambling machines or devices (except within casino premises), and operation of micro and small industries.
The licensing authorities have been directed to cease issuance or renewal of business licenses to non-citizens involved in the prohibited categories.
In a statement on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Wamae argued that it is in every country’s interest to prioritise the economic welfare of its citizens.
“Unfair to whom? It is in the interest of every country to protect its citizens. Thinking strategically, this administration should borrow a leaf from Tanzania in matters of creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” she said.
“After all, Kenyans are there because the TZ economy is working for them as opposed to the Kenyan economy,” she added.
Penalty
A non-citizen found operating any of the listed businesses may be fined not less than Ksh495,000 or imprisoned for up to six months, in addition to possible revocation of their visa or residence permit.
Similarly, Tanzanian citizens who assist or enable non-citizens to engage in these restricted businesses face fines of up to five million shillings or imprisonment for up to three months.
However, the order allows a transitional arrangement for non-citizens who currently hold valid licenses for the prohibited activities. These individuals may continue operating only until their existing license expires.
The order, datedJuly 25, 2025, marks a significant shift in Tanzania’s business environment, aiming to reserve certain economic opportunities exclusively for Tanzanian citizens.