Cassypool dismisses fears over Tanzania’s business ban on foreigners
Kenyan entertainer Cassypool has dismissed growing fears among Kenyans over Tanzania’s recent ban on certain business activities for foreigners, saying there is no cause for alarm.
Speaking during an interview with a local YouTuber on Friday, August 1, 2025, Cassypool said Tanzanians and Kenyans continue to live and work peacefully together, despite the new directive issued by Tanzanian authorities.
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“There is no Kenyan who is being kicked out of Tanzania. As we speak, there are Kenyans in Tanzania who have opened big schools and hotels. Some are farmers, and even most of the billboards there belong to Kenyans,” Cassypool said.
He insisted that no Kenyan has been expelled or discriminated against because of the new rules.
“Everyone is living peacefully in Tanzania, including myself, Cassypool. No one is being kicked out of Tanzania; these are just media rumours. No Tanzanian is chasing away a Kenyan. We love each other, we marry each other, and President Samia Suluhu loves Kenyans,” he added.
Foreign trade restrictions
Cassypool’s remarks come just days after Tanzania officially began enforcing the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, which bans foreigners from operating in 15 types of businesses, including small-scale trade, hairdressing, and repair services. The directive imposes heavy penalties on non-citizens found in violation of the ban. However, existing license holders will be allowed to operate until their permits expire.
The announcement caused tension in Kenya, with many traders expressing concern over their investments and livelihoods in Tanzania.
In response to the situation, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, released a statement on July 30, 2025, warning that the move could hurt regional trade relations and go against the spirit of the East African Community (EAC).
“The order, which includes significant penalties for violations, takes immediate effect except for current license holders. Kenya acknowledges and respects the sovereign rights of EAC Partner States to legislate on domestic matters, but also believes in the importance of consultation, coordination, and consistency in implementing policies that affect cross-border goods transfer,” the statement read.
Kinyanjui argued that Tanzania’s new restrictions are not in line with the Common Market Protocol (CMP) signed by all EAC member states. The protocol allows citizens from partner states to establish and operate businesses across the region without facing discrimination.
“All Partner States made binding commitments, and Article 13 of the EAC CMP specifically allows EAC nationals to establish and operate businesses, not to treat EAC nationals less favourably than own nationals,” he said.
“Kenya requests that these restrictions be removed and that Tanzania reverts to measures provided for in the EAC protocol,” he added.
