Kenyans React as Tanzania Bans Foreign Nationals from Opening 15 Types of Businesses in Dodoma

• The Tanzanian government has ring-fenced 15 types of businesses for locals in the country to operate
• President Samia Suluhu's administration banned foreign nationals, including Kenyans, from operating these businesses
• The directive issued by the Tanzania Industry and Trade Minister, Selemani Jafo, caught the attention of many Kenyans online, who shared mixed reactions

Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Kenyans have expressed their views online after the Tanzanian government ring-fenced some businesses for locals.

President Samia Suluhu's administration issued directives blocking foreign nationals from opening 15 types of businesses.

Why Tanzania banned foreigners from operating some businesses

The order issued on Monday, July 28, by the Tanzania Industry and Trade Minister, Selemani Jafo, seeks to protect local businesses from foreign competition.

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Jafo noted that the order was issued following concerns from Tanzanian citizens that some foreigners were driving them out of business, increasing the rate of unemployment in the country.

Some of the businesses that Suluhu's government ring-fenced are wholesale and retail trade, excluding supermarkets and specialised products outlets.

Others are mobile money transfers, fixing technological gadgets and cell phones, and salon operations, unless they are carried out for tourism purposes or in a hotel.

Home offices and environmental cleanliness, mining on a small scale, postal operations and package delivery around the nation, providing domestic tour guidance, radio and television establishments and operations, running cultural stores or museums, clearing and forwarding services and agencies or brokerages in real estate and business have also been reserved for Tanzanians.

What Kenyans said about Tanzania's business order

The order caught the attention of many Kenyans, some criticising the Tanzanian government over the move.

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@Seje80571387 noted:

"No.13 on the list is worrying for Kenyans."

@TheEmma101 asked:

"I hope they know what they're doing?"

@KevinGthang wondered:

"There is no much infiltration of Tanzanians here."

@jkimonyi asked:

"Can Kenya reciprocate in equal measure?"

@alexkifana asked:

"So, hawa mechanics from TZ wamejaa Kenya tuwafanyie aje pia?"

@KultureKenya said:

"East Africa Community (EAC) is a myth then."

@NjagiJosh asked:

"What happens if Kenya does the same? Where do all the Tanzanian second hand sellers in Gikomba go?"

@vincmlt claimed:

"If Kenya retaliates, they will start complaining. Funny neighbour."

@ChiefPatriot254 said:

"Kenya needs to also do the same, We need to protect smaller local entrepreneurs from outsiders."

@Charles18941951 noted:

"That's why these African countries are decades behind from being successful."

Tanzania to fine foreigners found operating banned businesses

Kenyans and foreigners found operating these businesses in Tanzania will be fined or jailed under the East African country's Business Licensing Act (Cap. 101).

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Kenya pushes back against Tanzania’s restrictions on foreign businesses

Suluhu's administration noted that non-citizens will be fined TSh 10 million (KSh 494,888.69 at the current exchange rate) if they are found guilty of flouting the act.

It also warned that operating the businesses meant for locals could attract a jail term not exceeding six months.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke