Kenya, Tanzania Hold Talks on Welfare of Kenyans

Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi has held bilateral talks with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, to address concerns over the welfare of Kenyan nationals residing in Tanzania.

The meeting, held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, focused on strengthening diplomatic cooperation and resolving emerging consular issues between the two neighbouring countries.

Mudavadi Holds Talks with Tanzania Foreign Minister Over Welfare of Kenyans

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mudavadi underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Kenyans living and working in Tanzania.

“During the engagement, the Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all foreign nationals, including members of the Kenyan diaspora community, who continue to contribute to Tanzania’s economic development through legitimate business activities and professional services,” read the statement in part.

He revealed that Kenya had received reports of incidents where the rights of several Kenyans had been infringed, and these specific cases have been formally submitted to the Tanzanian government for action.

The Tanzanian government, through Ambassador Kombo, assured Kenya that all foreign residents conducting lawful activities within Tanzania would continue to enjoy full protection under the law.

Both Ministers agreed that any incidents requiring attention would be addressed through established diplomatic and consular mechanisms in accordance with international protocols and the principles of the East African Community Common Market Protocol (EAC).

Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Tanzania and to the strengthening of the East African Community integration agenda.

The two leaders also reiterated their determination to uphold the close cooperation that has defined Kenya-Tanzania relations for decades.

“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs continues to work closely with our High Commission in Dar es Salaam to provide consular services and support to all Kenyan citizens in Tanzania,” the statement read further.

Govt Asks Public to Help Identify Citizens at Risk in Tanzania

This comes after the Ministry had earlier urged the public to submit the names and addresses of any Kenyans who might be at risk of harm in the East African Nation.

“Dear Kenyans, The Ministry has heard your concerns and requests the following from all of us, that you share through our inbox the names and addresses of all Kenyans who may be exposed to any sort of danger in our neighbouring countries, and far away countries,” read part of the notice.

The Ministry noted that the submissions should include the contact details of a relative, to enable coordination between the Ministry’s Diaspora Affairs Directorate (@Diaspora_KE) and Kenya Missions abroad, such as the Kenya High Commission in Tanzania (@Kenyahc_tz).

Meanwhile, the Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam assured Kenyans living in Tanzania of their safety amid post-election unrest.

In a Wednesday communiqué, the Mission said the welfare of Kenyans residing in Tanzania remains a top priority, and that talks with Tanzanian authorities have been held to secure their protection.

“The High Commission encourages the Kenyans in Tanzania to continue with their lawful normal activities as usual,” the statement noted in part.

The Commission added that it has resumed normal operations following the lifting of the curfew and restrictions imposed on October 29, during the elections that were later marred by protests.

Kenyan citizens have been urged to “remain calm, vigilant, observe local laws,” and to promptly report any security concerns to the Commission for assistance through +255 22 2668285/6.

Deadly Protests in Tanzania During Election

Tanzania witnessed deadly protests following a disputed election in which two main opposition candidates were barred from challenging Samia Suluhu’s bid for another term.

It was not clear how many people were killed in the violence around the Oct. 29 election as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to demand that vote-counting be stopped. 

The military was deployed to assist the police in quelling riots. Internet connectivity has been intermittent in the East African nation, disrupting travel and other activities.