Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen/SCREENGRABInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has moved to assure Kenyans operating businesses in Tanzania that they remain safe, amid growing public concerns over recent policy restrictions introduced by the Tanzanian government.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kajiado on Friday, Murkomen addressed concerns triggered by Tanzania’s recent move to bar foreigners from engaging in 15 categories of small-scale businesses.
The decision, announced earlier this week, has sparked debate over its impact on Kenyans working across the border.
Despite the announcement, Murkomen urged calm and diplomatic patience, stating that the matter is not one that warrants retaliation but rather dialogue.
“There’s nothing to retaliate against because these are things that can be handled by the two governments. I believe that Kenyans are safe in Tanzania, just as Tanzanians are safe in Kenya,” he said.
He added that the relationship between the two nations remains strong and grounded in mutual respect and regional cooperation.
“We enjoy one of the best relationships with Tanzania. We have proper and robust mechanisms in the East African Community (EAC) treaty that are actively being used to resolve the outstanding issues,” Murkomen stated.
The CS reiterated Kenya’s position as a regional hub for diplomacy, trade, and hospitality, highlighting its long history of hosting people from across Africa and beyond.
“And it's not just Tanzanians — we also host refugees and citizens from many other countries around the world."
Murkomen pointed to upcoming joint activities, including regional sports tournaments and cultural engagements, as evidence of the ongoing cooperation and goodwill between the two nations.
He described these events as opportunities to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster deeper understanding.
Murkomen concluded by urging citizens to allow diplomatic processes to take their course, saying both governments are committed to safeguarding the rights and safety of their people.
His remarks come a day after his Trade and Industry counterpart, Lee Kinyanjui, warned Kenya could hit back at Tanzania’s move to bar foreigners from running small businesses and offering some services.
The order by the East African nation, which includes significant penalties for violations, takes immediate effect except for current license holders.
Speaking during a Wednesday briefing, Kinyanjui said the action by Tanzania is substantive and undermines the core objective of regional economic integration under the Common Market Protocol.
“We cannot rule it out (retaliation), but that will be the last resort but first we want to apply diplomacy and we believe Tanzania will reverse the decision,” the CS said.
According to the new Prohibition Order, foreigners are now banned from engaging in 15 types of business activities, including general wholesale and retail trade, mobile money transfers, mobile phone and electronic repairs, and salon services.
