Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has told lawmakers that Kenya has formally asked Tanzania to grant its citizens the same work permit and business pass privileges enjoyed by Tanzanians in Kenya.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration on Thursday, August 7, Mudavadi said the request was made during a joint technical meeting of labour and immigration officials from both countries held in January.

“In a joint technical meeting of Commissioners of Labour and Chiefs of Immigration of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania held in January, we requested equal treatment on the issuance of business passes gratis to exempt Kenyans from work permit charges,” he said.

The committee, chaired by nominated MP Irene Mayaka, questioned Kenya’s benefits from the East African Community (EAC) despite being its largest financial contributor. Lawmakers also sought to know whether strained political ties with Tanzania could be contributing to insecurity around Migingo Island.

Members further called for policy measures to protect small- and medium-scale traders from unfair foreign competition while supporting foreign investors who create jobs for Kenyans.

Mudavadi urged patience and diplomacy in resolving the trade restrictions, cautioning against confrontation in cross-border matters.

“Let us not demand confrontation on some of the issues, including how to treat small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs in Kenya. In case diplomacy doesn’t work, I will declare its failure so that we may engage other channels,” he said.

Defending Kenya’s participation in the EAC, he pointed to increased trade, investment growth and infrastructure development as key gains.

He credited the Customs Union and Common Market protocols for enabling the free movement of goods and capital, which he said had opened larger markets for Kenyan businesses.

Mudavadi also warned against xenophobic policies across Africa, citing incidents where foreigners, including mothers and children, had been denied medical treatment.

“We have seen some situations in some countries where foreigners face discrimination, for example, mothers and children being denied medical treatment in hospitals. Kenya should play a role in fostering the African good,” he added.

Mayaka assured the public that the committee would keep engaging the Prime CS and relevant ministries to address citizens’ concerns and find lasting regional solutions.