Kenya Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts with Tanzania Over Rights Concerns
Kenya has taken significant steps to strengthen its diplomatic relations with Tanzania, following reports of human rights violations against Kenyan citizens in the neighboring country. This move highlights the growing concern over the safety and welfare of Kenyans living and working in Tanzania.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi recently held a phone conversation with his Tanzanian counterpart, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. The discussion focused on the well-being and protection of Kenyan nationals residing in Tanzania. Mudavadi emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of Kenyans who contribute positively to Tanzania’s economy through entrepreneurship, trade, and professional services.
“We held productive consultations on phone with my counterpart, Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, focusing on the welfare and protection of Kenyans residing and working in Tanzania,” Mudavadi stated.
He reiterated the need to address recent reports of incidents where the rights of certain Kenyan nationals were infringed. “For these specific matters, formal reports have been submitted to the Tanzanian authorities for appropriate action,” he added.
According to Mudavadi, both governments agreed that any arising concerns would be handled through diplomatic and consular channels, in accordance with international conventions and regional protocols. “Kombo and I agreed that any arising concerns will be addressed through the established diplomatic and consular channels, in full adherence to international conventions and the principles of the East African Community Common Market Protocol,” he said.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the warm and historic relations between Kenya and Tanzania, anchored on mutual respect, cooperation, and regional integration.
Mudavadi assured that his ministry, working in coordination with the High Commission in Dar es Salaam, remained alert to the needs of Kenyan citizens in Tanzania and would continue providing consular assistance whenever required. “The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, working closely with our High Commission in Dar es Salaam, remains steadfast in ensuring that all Kenyan citizens in Tanzania receive the necessary support and consular assistance at all times,” he said.
This statement followed earlier communication from the Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam, which reaffirmed that the safety and welfare of Kenyans in Tanzania remained its top priority. The mission stated it was in constant contact with Tanzanian authorities to ensure the well-being of Kenyan nationals and urged them to stay calm, observe local laws, and report any security concerns.
The reassurance came days after civil society organization Vocal Africa raised concerns over the disappearance of two Kenyans in Tanzania, one reportedly detained and another feared dead, prompting calls for intervention from Nairobi.
Authorities in Tanzania have since lifted curfew restrictions that had been imposed after the country’s general elections, allowing normal activities to resume.
Kenya’s latest engagement signals a shift from consular reassurance to formal diplomatic follow-up as both countries seek to address emerging concerns while preserving long-standing bilateral ties.