This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
Published on June 10, 2020, tensions between Kenya and Tanzania have escalated over the Covid-19 status of truck drivers.
Over 100 Kenyan lorries have been held at the Isebania border since Tuesday, with Tanzanian authorities refusing to recognize the drivers' Covid-19 test results.
According to an agreement signed on May 22 by Kenya's Transport CS James Macharia and his Tanzanian counterpart, Mr Isack Kamwelwe, truck drivers from both countries were granted entry into each other's territories as long as they presented their Covid-19 test results and certificates to health authorities at the border posts.
However, on June 2, Tanzanian authorities refused to recognize the test results issued by health authorities in Arusha and Mwanza, sparking frustration among the Kenyan truck drivers.
"We have been told to wait as officials sort out the issue," said Mr Sammy Muchina, one of the drivers.
Another driver, Mr Ndirangu Ndungu, faulted Kenyan Immigration officials for not intervening despite a complaint lodged at the Isebania Customs office.
With some of the cargo including highly perishable goods like fish, the drivers risked incurring heavy losses if they were not allowed to cross the border soon.
"We are appealing to the government to intervene speedily," said Mr Wilson Ngige, a frustrated driver.
