Kenya denies claims of targeting Tanzanian truckers in Coronavirus testing

Kenya has refuted claims advanced by Tanzania that Coronavirus testing protocols at the border are targeting Tanzanian truckers.

Addressing news reporters in Dar-es-salaam, Kenya’s High Commission to Tanzania, Dan Kazungu, said Kenya had not barred Tanzanian trucks from entering Kenya, insisting they must undergo COVID-19 testing at the border-point as had been agreed by the East African Community (EAC) heads of state.

He added that President Uhuru Kenyatta gave the cessation of movement order in and out of Tanzania but insisted that any trucker whether Kenyan or Tanzanian should be allowed to proceed with their journey, once it is established that they have tested negative.

He said that stand-off by Tanzania goes against the principles of the EAC protocol which is aimed at fostering regional cohesion, love and regional cooperation under the platform of shared brotherhood.

Meanwhile, East African Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed Tuesday said trade relations between Kenya and Tanzania remain healthy even as Rift valley regional coordinator George Natembeya conducted a fact-finding mission along the Kenya-Tanzania common border.

He said that cargo trucks will be allowed to move within East African Community – EAC member states to transport goods.

The CS who was speaking during a press briefing noted that all truck drivers must be subjected to a Coronavirus test before crossing the borders to curb the spread of Covid-19 disease.

“Each truck driver must be subjected to Coronavirus test. Cargo trade will continue as we continue to engage with Tanzania on the same,” CS EAC, Adan Mohamed.