Despite both countries being members of the East African Community (EAC), Kenyan businesspeople, truck drivers, and workers face steep fees and bureaucratic hurdles when entering Tanzania—creating barriers to trade and employment.
Table of Contents
1. The $100 Business Pass: A Recurring Burden
- Cost: $100 (Ksh 12,924) per entry for Kenyan business travelers, truck drivers, and temporary workers.
- Impact:
- Truck drivers making multiple trips must pay each time, increasing transport costs.
- Kenyan goods become less competitive in Tanzania’s market.
- Contrast: Kenya charges $0 for EAC nationals under the EAC Common Market Protocol.
Why Was This Fee Introduced?
- Under Tanzania’s Non-Citizen (Employment Regulation) Act (2015), originally set at $250–$500 per entry but later reduced to $100 for EAC nationals.
- Applies to business visits, short-term work, and logistics operations.
2. Work Permits: Expensive & Restrictive
Kenyans seeking long-term work in Tanzania face:
✔ High Fees: $550–$1,500 (Ksh 71,082–193,860) depending on permit type.
✔ Long Delays: Processing takes up to a year.
✔ Strict Limits:
- Maximum 5 years of work (2-year permit, renewable once).
- No extensions after five years.
- Dependents pay extra ($500 per person) and cannot work or open bank accounts.
Additional Challenges
- Re-entry Issues: Returning workers must get a temporary permit, which takes 3+ weeks to process.
- Student Pass Complications: Children of Kenyan workers face education disruptions due to permit restrictions.
3. Kenya’s Push for Fair Treatment
- January 2025 Meeting: Kenya raised concerns over unfair trade barriers and requested a fee waiver.
- Next Steps: The issue will be discussed at the 9th Joint Technical Committee meeting (September 2025).
Prime CS Mudavadi’s Warning
“These fees make Kenyan goods uncompetitive and force traders to rely on Tanzanian alternatives.”
Why This Matters
🚛 Trade Disruption: Higher costs discourage cross-border business.
💼 Employment Barriers: Complex rules deter Kenyan workers.
🤝 EAC Unity at Risk: Contradicts the Common Market Protocol’s free movement principles.
What’s Next?
- September 2025 Talks: Will Tanzania reconsider its policies?
- Business Adaptation: Kenyan traders may seek alternatives to avoid fees.
🗣️ Your Take: Should Tanzania scrap these fees for EAC nationals? Share your thoughts!
Key Takeaways
✅ Business Pass: $100 per entry—hurts truckers & traders.
✅ Work Permits: Expensive, slow, and restrictive.
✅ Diplomatic Push: Kenya seeks reciprocal treatment.
✅ EAC Tensions: Fees clash with regional integration goals.
