Kenya–Tanzania relations

Kenya – Tanzania relations

Kenya	Tanzania

Kenya–Tanzania relations are bilateral relations between Tanzania and Kenya. Tanzania is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy.

Tanzania maintains a high commission in Nairobi and Kenya in Dar es Salaam.

History

The first high commissions of Kenya in Tanzania and vice versa were opened after the independence of Kenya. However, after the breakup of the EAC in 1977 both countries severed diplomatic ties. The breakup of the first EAC which was originally founded in 1967 was brought about by ideological differences between Tanzania and Kenya. As it was during the cold war African countries were making decisions on whether to become socialist or capitalist. Kenya's leader Kenyatta was intent on making sure that Kenya wouldn't become socialist and Kenya stuck to capitalism. Tanzania on the other hand championed for Ujamaa, a major African socialist policy.^[1]

Tanzania and Kenya resumed diplomatic ties in 1983.^[2] By that time, a lot of factors were slowing the idea of Ujamaa in Tanzania among them the war with Uganda and many other social factors.

Today both countries enjoy healthy relations. Both countries are inhabited by the world's largest Swahili speaking populations, Swahili is the official and national language in both countries. Kenya and Tanzania share a lot of cultural similarities.

High-level visits

President Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) center, President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) left and President Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) right during the 8th EAC summit in Arusha

President Kikwete of Tanzania has on multiple occasions made state visits to Kenya. He even addressed the Kenyan Parliament. Former President Mwai Kibaki and Incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta have made state visits to Tanzania.

Trade and economy

In September 2014, Tanzania became the largest export destination of Kenyan goods within East Africa.^[3] Kenya's total exports to Tanzania in 2011 were valued at 488 million U.S. dollars as compared to 390 million dollars in 2010. Kenya's imports from Tanzania were valued at 185.4 million dollars in 2011, an increase from 126 million dollars in 2010.^[4] In the years between 2007-2008 Tanzanian exports to Kenya increased by 17%. The balance of trade still favours Kenya.^[5]

FDI

Many Kenyan firms have operations in Tanzania. Some of which are Kenya Airways, Kenya Commercial Bank (Tanzania), Equity Bank (Tanzania) and Nakumatt.

In 2009 Kenyan investment was estimated at over Kes. 160 billion (US$2 billion) making Kenya the second largest FDI contributors in Tanzania.^[6]

Infrastructure

Tanzania and Kenya are connected by road and rail. A massive amount of money has been allocated to upgrade and maintain the infrastructure that connects both countries. At one time, President Uhuru Kenyatta made one of his state visits to Tanzania by road.^[7]

EAC

On 7 July 2000, Tanzania and Kenya along with Uganda reestablished the EAC. The EAC has contributed a great deal in improving trade and overall relations between both countries.

See also

• East African Community (EAC)
• African Free Trade Zone

References

1. Fred Oluoch Lest we forget: What killed the first EAC marriage The EastAfrican 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
2. Kenya Tanzania Relations. Retrieved 20 January 2015. Archived January 7, 2015, at the Wayback Machine.
3. Tanzania becomes Kenya’s largest East Africa market The EastAfrican 30 August 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
4. Trade volume between Tanzania, Kenya up amid Kikwete’s visit 13 September 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
5. East Africa: Tanzania Exports to Kenya On Rise. AllAfrica.com/East African Business Week 7 September 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
6. President pushes for strong EAC Retrieved 20 January 2015.
7. President Kenyatta to Travel by Road to Arusha Tanzania for EALA address 23 March 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.