Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie steps in to solve Kenya/TZ tourism row

The Ministry of Tourism has resolved to fully implement the 1985 Bilateral Agreement signed by Kenya and Tanzania, stipulating how cross-border tourism operations should be conducted.

Last year, there was a dispute between the two nations  following Tanzania’s refusal to allow Kenyan vans into the country. Kenya also followed suit and barred Tanzanian tourist vans from picking and dropping travellers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

To resolve the mess, Cabinet Secretary of East African Affairs and Tourism Phyllis Kandie and Tanzanian Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, met in Nairobi and agreed on a three-week ceasefire. But it appears the negotiations never took place.

“The three weeks have expired without our Tanzanian counterparts convening the meeting for negotiations. We have, therefore, resolved to move forward with the full implementation of the Bilateral Agreement,” stated Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Phyllis Kandie at a press conference in her office.

Yesterday, the CS said from midnight, Tanzanian registered tour vehicles will not be allowed to pick, drop or exchange passengers at all tourism sites, airstrips and airports including JKIA. “However, the Tanzanian tour vans are allowed to drop tourists in all towns in Kenya,” she added.

According to the 1985 Bilateral Agreement, tourist vehicles registered in Tanzania will be allowed entry into Kenya through Lunga Lunga, Taita Taveta, Namanga and Isebania, and in all towns in Kenya. Tourist vehicles from Kenya will be allowed entry into Tanzania through Holoholo, Himo, Namanga, and Sirare.