Captains of industry optimistic as Tanzania’s President Samia arrives in Kenya
Kenya’s captains of industry hope that Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two-day state visit beginning today will unlock perennial non-tariff disputes (NTBs) that have slowed down trade between the two neighbours over the years.
Led by industry lobby group, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, the captains said NTB’s have continued to hamper trade between the two countries.
The manufacturers hope to leverage the meeting with Hassan to also unlock other key barriers, key among them; outstanding discriminatory levies and fee of some Kenyan manufactured products, and denial of preferential market access for some motor vehicles assembled in Kenya to Tanzania.
“As an association, we are hopeful that the meeting shall address these barriers,” said KAM chief executive Phyllis Wakiaga.
Combined seating
President Suluhu Hassan is set to arrive today for a two-day State Visit. In addition to engaging in talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Tanzanian head of state will also address a combined seating of the Senate and National Assembly, and later meet with business people from Kenya and Tanzania.
Wakiaga said they expect the President to also address the stoppage of market access for Tanzanian maize to the Kenya market, which has affected local manufacturers who have been forced to operate under capacity due to a shortage of raw materials.
Other areas of contention the manufacturers will be hoping for a solution include recognising product’s standardisation mark by both countries, which they said is essential to avoid restriction and retesting of food products.
Wakiaga said they will also be seeking for the removal of costly work permits to Kenyan citizens to carry out temporary assignments in Tanzania and more so, the provision of work permits to technical personnel whose expertise is needed by manufacturers based in either country.
This will be President Samia’s second state visit after her one day state visit in Uganda on April 11, and the first to Kenya since her ascendancy to power on March 19, 2021, after the death of immediate former President John Magufuli three days earlier.
