Tanzania and Kenya settle poultry export disputes: summary

What we know

• Tanzania and Kenya have reconciled their differences over a longstanding poultry export dispute. Both countries had disagreements over the export of poultry and poultry products.
• The East African Community (EAC) said the issue was settled during a two-day consultative meeting held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha in north Tanzania.
• Veterinary authorities from both countries were present at the meeting to participate in the resolution process following the ban on the export of poultry and poultry products from Kenya to Tanzania.
• A ban placed by Tanzania on the importation of poultry products from Kenya which is a major supplier severely impacted the latter’s poultry industry.
• The ban followed the global outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

What they said

Representing the Kenyan High Commissioner to Tanzania, Co-chair of the meeting from Kenya Rabson Wanjala iterated the commitment of both countries towards fostering trade relations and ensuring increased trade in the region. Acting Director of veterinary services in Tanzania’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Benezeth Lutege Malinda said Tanzania is ensuring that all trade-facilitating agencies focus on resolving issues, particularly non-tariff barriers that hamper trade. “We remain committed to tackling these challenges and fostering an environment conducive to seamless trade between Kenya and Tanzania,” he was quoted by The East African as saying.