According to reports, the increased patrols and strict measures followed the recent contentious elections in Tanzania, where President Samia Suluhu was declared the winner.
Traders claim that Tanzanian law enforcement officers have imposed arbitrary rules, delaying operations and limiting movement, while Tanzanian traders are allowed to conduct business freely in Kenya.
The Kenyan diaspora publication Mwakilishi reported that Tanzanian military personnel stationed about four kilometres from Taveta town have severely restricted the freedom of movement of local traders.
The Kenyan diaspora publication Mwakilishi reported that Tanzanian military personnel stationed about four kilometres from Taveta town have severely restricted the freedom of movement of local traders.
Many traders now have to operate under tight schedules, with arbitrary harassment, fines, and even arrests becoming common.
Simon Mafusa, the chairperson of local boda boda riders, told reporters that riders are no longer able to transport passengers past the Holili border town.
Simon Mafusa, the chairperson of local boda boda riders, told reporters that riders are no longer able to transport passengers past the Holili border town.
“Cross-border trade has completely stalled because of the heavy presence of Tanzanian soldiers,” he said. Previously, riders could transport people freely to towns like Nija Panda, Himo, and Moshi.
Traders have also raised concerns about new regulations requiring international trade licenses that are not enforced on Tanzanian nationals, creating an uneven playing field.
Traders have also raised concerns about new regulations requiring international trade licenses that are not enforced on Tanzanian nationals, creating an uneven playing field.
Local businesses argue that these restrictions make it almost impossible to sustain trade, leading some to abandon the cross-border business altogether.
Earlier this month, Kenyan traders staged demonstrations to draw attention to their plight. They also met with Tanzanian officials, but the access granted remained limited and restrictive.
Earlier this month, Kenyan traders staged demonstrations to draw attention to their plight. They also met with Tanzanian officials, but the access granted remained limited and restrictive.
Traders said they must now return immediately after dropping passengers at Holili, and operating past 6 PM is strictly prohibited.
Despite these challenges, traders continue to plead for fairness, emphasizing that the East African Community (EAC) Market Protocol guarantees the right to trade across member countries.
Despite these challenges, traders continue to plead for fairness, emphasizing that the East African Community (EAC) Market Protocol guarantees the right to trade across member countries.
They argue that harassment and arbitrary restrictions against Kenyan traders violate regional agreements, while Tanzanian traders enjoy unrestricted movement and business opportunities in Kenya.
Border Tensions Linked to Election Protests
Tensions at the border have also been fueled by political unrest in Tanzania. On October 30, 2025, the Namanga border experienced violent spillover from protests over disputed Tanzanian elections, which reportedly resulted in two deaths caused by Tanzanian police.
Border Tensions Linked to Election Protests
Tensions at the border have also been fueled by political unrest in Tanzania. On October 30, 2025, the Namanga border experienced violent spillover from protests over disputed Tanzanian elections, which reportedly resulted in two deaths caused by Tanzanian police.
Videos shared on social media showed Kenyan authorities struggling to control hundreds of citizens attempting to join the demonstrations across the border.
In response, the Kenyan government warned its citizens to avoid participating in Tanzanian election-related protests.
In response, the Kenyan government warned its citizens to avoid participating in Tanzanian election-related protests.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo urged Kenyans to respect local laws and refrain from crossing into Tanzania to take part in demonstrations.
The ongoing restrictions are affecting not only local traders but also regional economic activity. Many small businesses rely on cross-border trade to sustain livelihoods, and delays or arbitrary enforcement of rules significantly impact profits.
The ongoing restrictions are affecting not only local traders but also regional economic activity. Many small businesses rely on cross-border trade to sustain livelihoods, and delays or arbitrary enforcement of rules significantly impact profits.
Analysts warn that continued harassment could strain relations between the two East African nations if not addressed diplomatically.
Local traders are urging Tanzanian authorities to ease restrictions, ensure fairness, and respect agreements that allow Kenyans to operate without hindrance.
Local traders are urging Tanzanian authorities to ease restrictions, ensure fairness, and respect agreements that allow Kenyans to operate without hindrance.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is expected to engage in dialogue to protect its citizens and restore normal trade flows at the border.
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