Laikipia County MP, Hon. Jane Kagiri has urged the government to urgently address the recent decision by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to prohibit certain business operations by non-citizens, a move that could significantly affect Kenyan traders.

Hon. Kagiri sought a statement from the Leader of the Majority Party regarding the implications of the new directive, and the steps being taken to safeguard Kenya’s trade interests.

“I wish to request a Statement regarding the effect of the ban by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on operation of foreign businesses by non-citizens, particularly Kenyans,” Hon. Jane Kagiri stated.

She clarified that the Statement was not intended to question or discuss the conduct of any individual or Head of State, but rather to draw attention to the “matter of regional policy concern.”

The Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order which was made by Tanzania on the 28th of July 2025, bars non-citizens from operating in fifteen sectors. These include the sale of goods, purchasing of farm crop, ownership and operation of micro and small industries, among others.

According to Hon Kagiri, this directive “contradicts the spirit of the integration of the East African Community (EAC) as espoused in the East African Community Treaty of 2000, particularly on the free movement of goods, services, capital and persons, and the elimination of trade barriers among partner states.”

She warned that the move risks to undermine regional integration and rolls back the gains made by the creation of a common market under the EAC Common Market Protocol.

The House was reminded of a similar trade dispute in 2019, when Kenya’s Finance Act introduced higher levies and import duties on finished consumable goods, including those from EAC partner states. The Act drew sharp criticism from Tanzania, which viewed it as inconsistent with the Common Market Protocol and threatened retaliatory action.

“In the spirit of regional cooperation, this House, through the Finance Act, 2023, repealed the 2019 provision,” the Member noted, adding that the repeal had hurt local manufacturers who now face stiffer competition from low-priced imports.

She questioned Tanzania’s commitment to regional trade obligations, saying, “It ought not to be lost on us that our good neighbour, the United Republic of Tanzania, which previously expressed concern over trade restrictions, has now imposed similar prohibitions on Kenya, despite the reciprocal action that this House took.”

Hon Kagiri sought answers on among other things the immediate steps by the relevant committees to secure a reversal of the order.

"I wish to seek a Statement from the Leader of the Majority Party on the the immediate steps taken by the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Regional Integration to intervene in the matter with a view to securing a reversal of the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025 by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania," asked the Lakipia County legislator.

She also sought for a report on engagements between relevant committees and Cabinet Secretaries on addressing the policy and its impact on Kenyan traders.

Hon. Jane Kagiri further urged for the National Assembly to invite the Prime Cabinet Secretary to brief the House on Government actions, given the urgency and cross-cutting nature of the matter.