Kenya Protests Tanzania’s New Business Directive, Cites Violation of EAC Treaty

Kenya has officially protested against a new directive by Tanzania that bars non-citizens from engaging in several business sectors, claiming the move violates the East African Community (EAC) treaty and threatens regional integration efforts.

The protest follows a directive issued by the Tanzanian government, which prohibits non-citizens from operating in 15 specific small business activities, now reserved exclusively for Tanzanian nationals. The directive, which aims to safeguard local businesses, has raised concerns among regional partners, with Kenya viewing it as a step backward in the pursuit of economic unity within the EAC.

The East African Community Affairs Principal Secretary has confirmed that Kenya has formally communicated its objections to the EAC Secretariat, urging Tanzania to reconsider the policy and ensure its compliance with regional laws that promote free trade and movement of businesspeople within the bloc.

Kenya’s protest highlights the growing tensions around the interpretation and enforcement of EAC treaties, which guarantee the free movement of goods, services, and people across member states. The dispute could further strain relations within the regional bloc, potentially impacting future trade and economic cooperation.