This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, a border dispute between Kenya and Tanzania escalated over COVID-19 screening requirements.
Tanzanian President John Magufuli spoke with his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta, to resolve the issue.
Magufuli emphasized the need for citizens of the two countries to trade freely without any obstacles.
Earlier, Tanzania had banned Kenyan truck drivers from entering its territory, accusing Nairobi of sabotaging its COVID-19 efforts.
The ban was in response to President Kenyatta's directive on mandatory coronavirus screening for drivers at border points.
Tanzania's Tanga Regional Commissioner, Martin Shigella, claimed that Kenyans were spreading the disease in Tanzania and that closing the border was necessary to stop infections.
However, Tanzanian Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu later clarified that Kenyan lorry drivers would be allowed entry as long as they adhered to anti-coronavirus measures.
President Magufuli announced that Transport ministers and regional leaders from both countries would meet to iron out the differences and find a lasting solution.
Magufuli stated that after speaking with Kenyatta, the problem was solved, and local leaders should work together to facilitate trade between the two countries.
