The current trade war between Tanzania and Kenya is not helpful and certainly does not bode well for the unity of the East African Community.

The row has seen Kenya block cooking gas and wheat imports from Tanzania, while Dar es Salam has blocked Kenyan milk and tyres from entering its territory.

While each country has had some reason for taking the drastic moves, overt protectionism is likely to end up being a lose-lose situation.

Many citizens of EAC benefit from regional trade and there are a lot more benefits from having open borders within the region than there would be when individual countries restrict trade.

The spat could lead to loss of many jobs and a source of livelihoods for many, when markets are closed. The concerns that the two countries have such as what Kenya has in regard to safety risks in regard to importation of gas should be resolved diplomatically.

The relevant agencies between the two countries can quietly reach out to address the concerns and resolve the problem amicably.

Tanzania can endeavour to do the same so that the issues are not seen as an all-out trade or even political conflicts, which is unlikely to have any positive effects.

Essentially, the solution is for the two countries to come together and negotiate in good faith, for the good of their citizens.

Source: Business Daily