This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, communities living along the Kenya/Tanzania border are calling for good diplomatic relations between the two nations to prevent a frosty relationship that could 'kill' the gains made in trade and social co-existence in the East Africa region.
On May 16, President Kenyatta ordered the closure of the border for free human cargo, except for trucks carrying goods, to curb the importation of Coronavirus into the country. However, this move was met with a response from Tanzania, which shut its border for Kenyans, leading to a diplomatic rivalry between the two sister countries.
Residents from Migori County expressed their concerns, saying that the closure of the border could have a negative impact on their lives and businesses. Mr. Peter Wambura, a resident of Gwitembe village in Kuria East Sub County, emphasized the importance of maintaining good diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Mr. Maurice Onyango, a resident of Muhuru Bay, urged the Kenya government to engage in bilateral talks with Tanzania to peacefully mitigate the emerging differences. He said, 'We cannot afford to see the good relations between the people of Kenya and Tanzania waste away because of embracing divergent ways of fighting Coronavirus.'
The closure of the border has affected trade between the two nations, with Kenya importing almost 70% of its vegetables and fruits from Tanzania. Ms. Milka Atieno, a fruits seller in Migori town, said that the bad relations between Kenya and Tanzania would affect her grocery business, which relies on supply from across the border through Isebania.
The Kuria and Luo communities, who transcend the borderline, are the worst affected by the closure of the common border. Samwel Kerata, the chairman of the Kuria council of elders, said that it would be difficult for the members of the two communities to live a normal life if the frosty relationship between Kenya and Tanzania prevents them from visiting their kin in Tanzania and vice versa.
