Tanzania and Kenya to Cooperate in Infrastructure Development

Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to cooperate for infrastructure development to benefit the economies of both countries.

The agreement was made during Tanzania’s President Magufuli meeting with Kenya’s President Kenyatta in Nairobi on October 31st, 2016.

The countries have agreed to start working on key infrastructure projects such as the road construction from Bagamoyo in Tanzania to Malindi in Kenya and another one from Isebania in Kenya to western Tanzania.

“Such projects will ease transportation of people and goods across our borders. This will improve the lives of our people and enhance integration,” Kenyatta said.

Furthermore, Magufuli and Kenyatta agreed to revive meetings under the Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) to boost trade and investment between Kenya and Tanzania.

JCC was originally created by former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Kenyan President Daniel Moi in 1988 in order to deepen economic and political ties between the two East African nations.

However, the last time the two countries met within the framework of JCC was in September 2012 in Kenya.

“Our officers should hasten the holding of this important forum.  I am confident that reviving these talks will strengthen our relations,” Kenyatta said.

Magufuli underlined the importance of Kenya as Tanzania’s investment partner by indicating that 529 Kenyan companies have set base in Tanzania and invested USD1.7b, creating more than 56,260 jobs for Tanzanians.

Tanzania is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security, education, agriculture, and energy.