This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On Monday, Tanzania banned Kenyan truck drivers from entering the country with immediate effect, further escalating the diplomatic row between the two nations.
The ban was announced by Tanga Regional Commissioner Martine Shigela, who warned that any Kenyan truck attempting to cross the Hororo border would be turned back.
Shigela cited concerns over the spread of Covid-19, claiming that Tanzanian health officials had tested Kenyan travellers and found over 19 positive cases.
However, the move has been met with criticism from Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who closed the country's borders with Tanzania and Somalia on Saturday in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Kenya had exempted food trucks from the ban, but drivers were required to undergo compulsory Covid-19 tests before crossing the border.
On Monday, the government announced that 53 truck drivers had tested positive at the various entry points between Kenya and Tanzania, including 51 Tanzanians and two Burundians.
The diplomatic row between the two nations has been ongoing, with Tanzania's President Pombe Magufuli criticising Kenya's approach to dealing with the pandemic.
Magufuli has vowed not to place Kenya on lockdown, saying such a move would be disastrous for the economy.
