Kenya - Tanzania border closed over row on vehicle levy
Border town Namanga which is between Kenya and Tanzania. Photo/FILE
The Kenya - Tanzania border in Taveta has been closed after motorist protested the increment of vehicle levy by Tanzania authorities.
The Tanzanian government has imposed a vehicle levy of USD200 for vehicles entering its borders.
Stranded travellers at the border have asked the Kenya and Tanzania governments to resolve the situation.
From Saturday, authorities from the two countries have held discussions on the issue, which has jeopardised the free movement of goods and people across the border.
“We have passengers who were heading to Moshi but we cannot move because of the new rules, which have been imposed by the Tanzanian government,” said Mr Salim Abushir, a driver with the Tahmeed Bus Services.
Mr Simon Karasha, a tour van driver accused Tanzanian Immigration officials of harassing travellers whenever they tried to cross the border.
“It is a pity that Tanzanians can trade in Kenya without any problem. We want out government to resolve the problem,” said Mr Karasha.
He added, “We cannot take tourist to Tanzania because of unknown reasons yet they (Tanzanians) can visit different tourist destinations in Kenya.”
The Daily Nation has established that Tanzanian traders plying trade at the busy Taveta market do so without valid work permits unlike their Kenyan counterparts who have been forced to acquire work permits to conduct business in Tanzania.
