Kenya - Tanzania border closed over row on vehicle levy
Kenya - Tanzania border closed over row on vehicle levy
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EMT
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Kama kawaida Watanzania tulienda kichwa kichwa tuu. Issue ya kufunga mpaka haina tofauti kabisa na maamuzi mengine mengi ya ajabu ajabu tunayoyashughudia humu nchini kila wakati. Can you imagine our minister saying that the levy was illegal in Tanzania, lakini pamoja na hayo we still went on to impose it? Who directed the levy to be imposed? Wawezakuta ni watu wa pale pale border walikuwa wanatafuta pa kula. Ridiculous.
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simplemind
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Hii chanjo ya yellow fever border mbona ghali mno Zaidi ya Tsh 20000 , kuchochea rushwa au vurugu.
Geza Ulole
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Tanzania disowns levy on Kenyan vehicles
Photo/FILE Last week, the Kenya-Tanzania border in Taveta was temporarily closed after motorists protested the increment of vehicle levy by Tanzanian authorities.
By AGGREY MUTAMBO amutambo@ke.nationmedia.com AND EMMANUEL WERE ewere@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, February 23 2012 at 22:30
A decision by Tanzanian border officials to levy Sh17,000 (US$200) for vehicles ferrying goods from Kenya has been disowned by their government. (READ: Border closed over fee)
The country's minister for East African Cooperation, Mr Samuel Sitta, told reporters in Namanga that local authorities had increased the charges behind the government's back.
"My government was not involved at all. Really, we cannot allow something which is against the law (Common Market Protocol). Local authorities have no powers to interfere with international matters," said Mr Sitta on Wednesday.
But he did not say whether the Tanzanian authorities would intervene to overturn the decision.
The matter came up on Wednesday when ministers responsible for East Africa affairs from Kenya and Tanzania toured the border area to promote regional integration.
The Kenyan delegation was led by EA Affairs Minister Musa Sirma and included officials responsible for marketing the integration.
It is the latest in a series of complaints by Kenyan businessmen operating across the border.
Kenyan businesses have complained that their goods are subjected to further testing by Tanzania's Bureau of Standards despite meeting the standards set by the East African community and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
But Kenyan businesses seem to be heading south in spite of the restrictions, with data gathered by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicating that exports to Tanzania grew by 65.6 per cent from Sh3.6 billion in October to Sh5.9 billion in November.
Kenyans also face restrictions on investing at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. In Tanzania, the maximum participation by foreign investors in listed companies is capped at 60 per cent, 75 per cent in Kenya but 100 per cent in Uganda and Rwanda.
Kenyans shunned the recent Tanzania Breweries share sale, held in December, with the results announced in early January showing East Africans got a small allocation.
Tanzanians took up 55.24 per cent of the 59 million breweries shares that were on offer, foreign investors were allocated 44.72 per cent of the shares, while East African investors got a paltry 0.04 per cent of the shares.
Kenyans also have to pay for a Tanzanian work permit.
Mr Sitta said the decision to increase the vehicle levy had been a creation of local authorities on the Kenya-Tanzania border, and not a government directive.
Last week, the Kenya-Tanzania border in Taveta was temporarily closed after motorists protested the increment of vehicle levy by Tanzanian authorities.
They had imposed a levy of Sh17,000 ($200) for vehicles entering the country.
Despite talks by authorities from the two countries on Saturday, the Nation found out that motorists were still being charged Sh17,000 by yesterday. Those who refused had their vehicles impounded at Tanzania's border point of Holili.
Most of those who parted with the money were ferrying perishable goods.
Under the Common Market Protocol that took effect in July 2010, the community countries had to progressively allow free movement of people, labour and goods. In addition, the Customs Union, that started in 2005, proposed to unify tax laws and eliminate other restrictions to trade.
But the reality is that each of these countries has their own internal laws that seem to contradict or slow down the implementation of these protocols. In Tanzania for instance, it has also been a rule to have a yellow fever certificate before one is allowed within its borders.
Those without the certificate have to part with $50 and then receive yellow fever vaccination.
But the Tanzanian Minister told reporters the rule was also illegal because it was only a regulation in the country's Ministry of Health.
"We followed it up and discovered that it is really being levied under a bylaw under the Ministry of Health. This really cannot be permitted. They have taken their time but we are seeing the end of this bothersome practice."
On Wednesday, Kenyan and Tanzanian officials sought to iron out the differences.
Mr Sirma and Mr Sitta held talks with local administrators from both sides before holding a joint rally in Tanzania.
Travel documents
They later pledged to convince their respective governments to allow the administrators issue temporary travel documents to border residents.
After the rally, the two told journalists that they would instruct local authorities to only levy fees approved by the EAC ministerial council.
Kajiado County Council in which Namanga (Kenya) belongs, is said to be charging transit trucks Sh2,000 for "passing through its territory."
"Local authorities are not allowed to charge transit vehicles any fees. It is illegal," said Mr Sirma .
However, there was little indication that the $200 fee at Holili would be removed. Mr Sitta did not announce that the levy be stopped or reduced. Instead, he said he would visit the border point some time next month to assess the situation.
MY TAKE
As i said the US$ 200 was a retaliation of something here we read kajiado county was charhing ksh 2000 per truck! so what is wrong for local authority at namanga (Tanzania's side) charging US$ 200 an equivalent of Ksh 17,000 per truck?
Tanzania disowns levy on Kenyan vehicles *- News*|nation.co.ke
By AGGREY MUTAMBO amutambo@ke.nationmedia.com AND EMMANUEL WERE ewere@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, February 23 2012 at 22:30
A decision by Tanzanian border officials to levy Sh17,000 (US$200) for vehicles ferrying goods from Kenya has been disowned by their government. (READ: Border closed over fee)
The country's minister for East African Cooperation, Mr Samuel Sitta, told reporters in Namanga that local authorities had increased the charges behind the government's back.
"My government was not involved at all. Really, we cannot allow something which is against the law (Common Market Protocol). Local authorities have no powers to interfere with international matters," said Mr Sitta on Wednesday.
But he did not say whether the Tanzanian authorities would intervene to overturn the decision.
The matter came up on Wednesday when ministers responsible for East Africa affairs from Kenya and Tanzania toured the border area to promote regional integration.
The Kenyan delegation was led by EA Affairs Minister Musa Sirma and included officials responsible for marketing the integration.
It is the latest in a series of complaints by Kenyan businessmen operating across the border.
Kenyan businesses have complained that their goods are subjected to further testing by Tanzania's Bureau of Standards despite meeting the standards set by the East African community and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
But Kenyan businesses seem to be heading south in spite of the restrictions, with data gathered by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicating that exports to Tanzania grew by 65.6 per cent from Sh3.6 billion in October to Sh5.9 billion in November.
Kenyans also face restrictions on investing at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. In Tanzania, the maximum participation by foreign investors in listed companies is capped at 60 per cent, 75 per cent in Kenya but 100 per cent in Uganda and Rwanda.
Kenyans shunned the recent Tanzania Breweries share sale, held in December, with the results announced in early January showing East Africans got a small allocation.
Tanzanians took up 55.24 per cent of the 59 million breweries shares that were on offer, foreign investors were allocated 44.72 per cent of the shares, while East African investors got a paltry 0.04 per cent of the shares.
Kenyans also have to pay for a Tanzanian work permit.
Mr Sitta said the decision to increase the vehicle levy had been a creation of local authorities on the Kenya-Tanzania border, and not a government directive.
Last week, the Kenya-Tanzania border in Taveta was temporarily closed after motorists protested the increment of vehicle levy by Tanzanian authorities.
They had imposed a levy of Sh17,000 ($200) for vehicles entering the country.
Despite talks by authorities from the two countries on Saturday, the Nation found out that motorists were still being charged Sh17,000 by yesterday. Those who refused had their vehicles impounded at Tanzania's border point of Holili.
Most of those who parted with the money were ferrying perishable goods.
Under the Common Market Protocol that took effect in July 2010, the community countries had to progressively allow free movement of people, labour and goods. In addition, the Customs Union, that started in 2005, proposed to unify tax laws and eliminate other restrictions to trade.
But the reality is that each of these countries has their own internal laws that seem to contradict or slow down the implementation of these protocols. In Tanzania for instance, it has also been a rule to have a yellow fever certificate before one is allowed within its borders.
Those without the certificate have to part with $50 and then receive yellow fever vaccination.
But the Tanzanian Minister told reporters the rule was also illegal because it was only a regulation in the country's Ministry of Health.
"We followed it up and discovered that it is really being levied under a bylaw under the Ministry of Health. This really cannot be permitted. They have taken their time but we are seeing the end of this bothersome practice."
On Wednesday, Kenyan and Tanzanian officials sought to iron out the differences.
Mr Sirma and Mr Sitta held talks with local administrators from both sides before holding a joint rally in Tanzania.
Travel documents
They later pledged to convince their respective governments to allow the administrators issue temporary travel documents to border residents.
After the rally, the two told journalists that they would instruct local authorities to only levy fees approved by the EAC ministerial council.
Kajiado County Council in which Namanga (Kenya) belongs, is said to be charging transit trucks Sh2,000 for "passing through its territory."
"Local authorities are not allowed to charge transit vehicles any fees. It is illegal," said Mr Sirma .
However, there was little indication that the $200 fee at Holili would be removed. Mr Sitta did not announce that the levy be stopped or reduced. Instead, he said he would visit the border point some time next month to assess the situation.
MY TAKE
As i said the US$ 200 was a retaliation of something here we read kajiado county was charhing ksh 2000 per truck! so what is wrong for local authority at namanga (Tanzania's side) charging US$ 200 an equivalent of Ksh 17,000 per truck?
Tanzania disowns levy on Kenyan vehicles *- News*|nation.co.ke
Well, if Kenyans shunned the TBL initial public offering then it can't be said that Kenyans are restricted at Dar Stock Exchange, you said they shunned it!
If Tanzanians took up 55% of the shares you can't say "East Africans investors got a paltry 0.04%" because 55 is bigger than 0.04! Hahahaaa…. Grotesquely incompetent East African journalists
If member states only"proposed" then we don't know, and you haven't said, whether they ever agreed that this is effectively the new law now! To say "But the reality is that the internal laws contradict" is incredibly ridiculous, you said they just proposed!!
So, it is illegal because it is a regulation in the ministry of health of one member state? Who told you that it is illegal? You are not making any sense dear Editor at the crummy DAILY NATION, I mean the press around here is a travesty.
Kabaridi
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Nina furaha kwamba wamo viongiozi hapo Tanzania who can see more than twenty years down the line. Lakini wale wengine shortsighted, wanafaa wazuiwe wasiweke illegal fees/levy KSh17,000. Unaweza fikiria pesa hizo ni nyingi per truck, which ultimately would be a conduit for corruption. Mr Sitta actually seems to be shocked about such things happening. Kawaida, most things happening at county level do happen without the consent from the appointing authorities.
Conclusion: Ashante sana Bw. Mheshimiwa Musa Sirma and MR. Sitta.
meningitis
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source:daily nation
Rufiji
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Our Northern neighbors are good at playing the victim card and whining. Two days ago, I posted an article from the East African newspaper which narrated in detail obstacles faced by Tanzanians doing wheat business in Kenya. These people are constantly being harassed by Kenyans officials; and worst of all, hefty tariffs are being levied on their productss contraly to common market protocol. The reason Kenya's government has turned a blind eye on this issue is to protect local companies. I am sure patriotic Kenyans of the likes of Mzalendo read my post but decided not to contribute anything because it doesn't fit the narrative, they want to depict about Tanzania.
I remember there was a time South African's companies were complaining about protectionism hurdles they encountered in Kenya while trying to penetrate the Kenya's market. In addition, most Kenyans have blind patriotism and are more than likely going to buy Kenya-made products. Eventually, South African companies decided to leave that market. To make a long story short, it is a daunting task for a foreign company to run business in Kenya
I remember there was a time South African's companies were complaining about protectionism hurdles they encountered in Kenya while trying to penetrate the Kenya's market. In addition, most Kenyans have blind patriotism and are more than likely going to buy Kenya-made products. Eventually, South African companies decided to leave that market. To make a long story short, it is a daunting task for a foreign company to run business in Kenya
Geza Ulole
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The problem is we have some individuals here that have no idea the kind of jungle tactics these dudes in Kenya apply! Worse enough their Nationalism is beyond acceptable level instigated by their non ethical adhered media! But be not worried since many Tanzanians r aware of their outdated tactics and they will fail and this block will collapse mark my words! While they fist-chest themselves of what they r doing, behind the scene the same tactics is used to divide themselves towards their coming election! So their segregation cum victimization sins go deeper inside their borders to tribalism that eats them!
None of them should ever try to tell u ati land should be free! To them that scenario is practical cause they have no land left since their politicians+foreigners own nearly 3/4 of Kenya and to prove my point these owners prefer to commercialize that land that's why u find Kenya is the 4th exporter of tea while having food deficiency! Moreover none of them should lie to u ati jobs to all East Africans since for those of us who have been in Kenya we know how hard is to get job in Kenya even for a Kenyan who is a non Kikuyu! So pls fellow Tanzanians don't back down...
EMT
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Mkuu, I don't think retaliation is the answer and it has never been. If fact, it is an embassment to retaliate even against your own laws. Reacting in such a way can potentially worsen the situation. When you strike back, are you ready to accept the black hat revenge?
Retaliation especially in international trade may increase risks to the one who retaliate. Even in the WTO system, retaliation for non-compliance is the last resort after all other means have failed. I am just wondering whether the retaliation to impose the $200, was the last resort after exhausting all other options.
Now, you tell me who are those individuals? I know it is painful when the people you branded as "fools" win their argument tena on common sense. Halafu kuna tofauti ya kuwa "aware of their outdated tactics" and to act upon them. Kama sisi tumelalama tuu bila ya ku address those tatics simply because we are aware with them, itatusaidia nini? May be the same "individuals" in our governmnet "have no idea of the jungle tatics" Kenyans use or as you have said they may be "aware of their tactics" but they don't bother to address them?
If land is not free in Tanzania, then why are we giving out to the Westerners? Sure, they have no land left, but we have plenty to the extent that we preparing to handle some to the Westerners to grow genetically modified foods for you to eat. The rest of the land we can't do nothing about it as we still seeking Westerners to come down and extract whaterver is there.
Sure, Kenya is the fourth exporter of tea, but we Tanzania are the third exporter of Gold in Africa. Now, compare and contrast between tea and gold and the benefits each country has received in their respective exports. Can't you even think that pamoja na kuwa na resources zote hizo kwa nini bado Kenya inatupiga bao? Kwa nini hata nchi ndogo kama Rwanda yenye ardhi na resources ndogo zaidi yetu inaelekea kukua kwa speed kubwa zaidi yetu? Labda kuwa na ardhi kubwa na rasilimali ndicho kinachotufanya tubweteke nazo to our own detriment?
It may be hard to get in job in Kenya but is it easy to get job in Tanzania, bearing mind that kati ya wanafunzi 100 waliofanya mitihani ya kidato cha nne mwaka jana, ni 9 tuu ndio walipata between division one and three? Do you think it is going to be easy for the 91 failed students to secure a job?
Mkuu acha kulalama. It won't get you anywhere. You said in another post that here we address issues with a critical eye, lakini ulichoandika hapo juu is very dissapointing. Yaani ni kama vile unawadhibitishia Wakenya how we Tanzania think and address issues. We like complaining all times and ku-address issues subjectively. Well, I will direct you to the very same article again: allAfrica.com: Tanzania: The Country Has Become a Nation of Complainers
EMT
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And what is our government doing about it? Kenyan were levied $200 and their government acted quiclky to resolve the issue, but how our government?
Kabaridi
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Tanzania disowns levy on Kenyan vehicles
MY TAKE
As i said the US$ 200 was a retaliation of something here we read kajiado county was charhing ksh 2000 per truck! so what is wrong for local authority at namanga (Tanzania's side) charging US$ 200 an equivalent of Ksh 17,000 per truck?
Tanzania disowns levy on Kenyan vehicles *- News*|nation.co.ke
So, the question one may ask is, even if it were to retaliate, 17000/= is way above the mark as compared to 2000/=. If it was to be a scheme that was to benefit a handful of individuals, it has now been destroyed. This exposes your government's weakness when it comes issues of governance, even though one might suggest i.e. devolved power at work.
Geza Ulole
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a tiger pounces with trigitude....
Rufiji
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Mzalendo,
I don't understand the point you are trying to make, so this issue exposes weakness of governance solely on Tanzania's side and not Kenya. This is plainly preposterious cause your neighbors to the south were initially provoked. As usual, you didn't say anything about Kaijado county's decision to impose that ridiculous fee. And why your effective government didn't act on time and resolve that quagmire secondary to that county stupid decision. Is that what you call good governance?
It's good the matter resolved amicably and thanks to to Mr Sita for his sober head.Trade and Investment are the only remaining keys for any economic growth and development especially when major players being Small and Medium Size businesses.The idea behind any economic block like EAC or SADC is to allow trade so that individual citizens within that block can benefit directly from it by having a larger market to service,as this encourages healthy competition it also promotes growth for SME's.The responsibility of any govt is to ensure a conducive environment for trade and investment for it to attract more investors within her boundaries.
The increase in the levy was bad for business only coming at a time when Kenyan govt had instructed the Narok count council not to charge any fee from any truck and lorry coming from Tanzania into Kenya..and the only border that was closed was the Taveta one because the Namanga border was open for trade.
My humble appeal to our Tanzanian brothers is to be tolerant this is a virtue that u need most, u may be kind,loving and hospitable -and we respect and love you for that-, but what is the benefit of all this without tolerance ,patience and sober approach to issues.We can not change circumstances EAC is here to stay(this is not 1979) you will c more of us in Tanzania and the rest of EAC countries..we will bring skills,capital and create opportunities...hatred for Kenyans will not add anything to TZ's GDP or economic growth.
We r in Tanzania because you need us and very badly for that matter.....your brothers and sisters here in Kenya are treated with the respect and honor they deserve and we appreciate the little contribution they make to our economy ..i have never heard anybody treating them badly or badmouthing them, but i wont blame you for your hatred and branding us names as " nyang'au".... our efforts in Tanzania r the one's giving Tanzania the little respect it enjoys among the society of nations as a developing country.We respect ourselves thats y we cant behave like you do, we r in Tanzania to stay and i will keep on encouraging more Tanzanians to visit Kenya to do business.Most of you need to travel,y should you be born and die in one place!?that's y you post foolish comments here as if TZ is an island that should exist on its own! no wonder u r worst entrepreneurs !!!You talk of SADC as if you benefit anything from it! its there to benefit SA and its the weakest trading block to ever exist,but i love your membership in SADC i will simply incorporate my company in Tanzania under EAC....then i will have access to the SADC market as Tanzanian company.!!
Kenyans thrive in harsh conditions..if u make things so difficult for them then be ready to c the best out of them .we are raised up and taught to be the best in everything, we may have weakness like other beings on earth but obstacles and hardships only makes us better........so instead of wasting your time here throwing insults to and fro find something you can do for your self and family..and your country for that matter,be creative and exploit the numerous opportunities God had blessed you with.
TOO MUCH HATRED FOR KENYANS IS HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH AND ECONOMY.
The increase in the levy was bad for business only coming at a time when Kenyan govt had instructed the Narok count council not to charge any fee from any truck and lorry coming from Tanzania into Kenya..and the only border that was closed was the Taveta one because the Namanga border was open for trade.
My humble appeal to our Tanzanian brothers is to be tolerant this is a virtue that u need most, u may be kind,loving and hospitable -and we respect and love you for that-, but what is the benefit of all this without tolerance ,patience and sober approach to issues.We can not change circumstances EAC is here to stay(this is not 1979) you will c more of us in Tanzania and the rest of EAC countries..we will bring skills,capital and create opportunities...hatred for Kenyans will not add anything to TZ's GDP or economic growth.
We r in Tanzania because you need us and very badly for that matter.....your brothers and sisters here in Kenya are treated with the respect and honor they deserve and we appreciate the little contribution they make to our economy ..i have never heard anybody treating them badly or badmouthing them, but i wont blame you for your hatred and branding us names as " nyang'au".... our efforts in Tanzania r the one's giving Tanzania the little respect it enjoys among the society of nations as a developing country.We respect ourselves thats y we cant behave like you do, we r in Tanzania to stay and i will keep on encouraging more Tanzanians to visit Kenya to do business.Most of you need to travel,y should you be born and die in one place!?that's y you post foolish comments here as if TZ is an island that should exist on its own! no wonder u r worst entrepreneurs !!!You talk of SADC as if you benefit anything from it! its there to benefit SA and its the weakest trading block to ever exist,but i love your membership in SADC i will simply incorporate my company in Tanzania under EAC....then i will have access to the SADC market as Tanzanian company.!!
Kenyans thrive in harsh conditions..if u make things so difficult for them then be ready to c the best out of them .we are raised up and taught to be the best in everything, we may have weakness like other beings on earth but obstacles and hardships only makes us better........so instead of wasting your time here throwing insults to and fro find something you can do for your self and family..and your country for that matter,be creative and exploit the numerous opportunities God had blessed you with.
TOO MUCH HATRED FOR KENYANS IS HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH AND ECONOMY.
Kabaridi
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Well, Bw. Rufiji, all I am trying to put across is that, something other than that radical stance to increase border fee to $200, would have been done. I think, sometimes If it were not for quick intervention from authorities from either side, such would have resulted in escalations of further mistrust that would ultimately go against the dreams of common market protocol. Now, you have to agree with me that such bitterness is a blockade, and we must as participants in this common protocol (if there is any) have a strong resolve just put away and rise above such bitterness. I think, it has severely exposed a lack of responsibility and diplomacy on either side i.e. (For Kenya and TZ local authorities).