Kenya to resume tea exports to Tanzania after trade dispute resolves

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Kenya and Tanzania have agreed to resolve trade disputes at their borders that have impacted commerce between the two countries. 

The deal was struck earlier today by Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, and her Tanzanian counterpart, Stephen Byabato. 

Subsequently, goods for exports that were earlier detained at the Namanga border point will now be cleared. 

Under the deal, Tanzania will allow Kenya to export tea to the country.

Kenya, on the other hand, will reciprocate the pact by clearing Konyagi spirit and timber at Namanga and Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border points, respectively. 

In addition, the meeting also considered a total of 14 issues, with 6 from Tanzania and 8 from Kenya, and provided direction on them.  

They also discussed the holistic harmonization of levies, fees, charges, and other conditions affecting trade between the two countries.

Furthermore, it was agreed that a number of issues would be dealt with administratively. 

Miano said Presidents William Ruto and Samia Suluhu of Tanzania affirmed their commitment to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation. 

“They have directed their respective trade Ministers to address all issues that affect trade with a view of enhancing trade between the two nations,” the CS said. 

The Eighth Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting between the Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania was held in Kisumu, Kenya, from March 18 to 22, 2024.

The meeting was convened to address issues affecting trade between the two nations. 

The next meeting will be held in July 2024 in the United Republic of Tanzania.