Mudavadi Engages Tanzania Over Kenyans Welfare Amid Rights Concerns

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that Kenya is closely engaging Tanzanian authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Kenyan nationals living and working in Tanzania.

In a statement released on Thursday, Mudavadi said he held a “productive” phone consultation with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, to discuss concerns raised over alleged mistreatment of some Kenyans across the border.

“I reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of our Kenyan community, men and women who continue to make a positive impact on Tanzania’s economy through entrepreneurship, trade, and professional services,” Mudavadi said.

The Foreign Affairs CS confirmed that reports on specific cases where the rights of Kenyans were allegedly violated have formally been submitted to Tanzanian authorities for appropriate action.

However, he did not elaborate on the nature of the grievances or incidents under review.

Both ministers agreed that all emerging concerns would continue to be addressed through official diplomatic and consular channels, in line with international law and the provisions of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, which guarantees free movement and fair treatment of citizens within the region.

Mudavadi also emphasized shared commitment between the two neighbouring nations to deepen bilateral ties, stating:

“We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen the warm and historic relations between Kenya and Tanzania, anchored on mutual respect, cooperation, and regional integration.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the State Department of Diaspora Affairs and the Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam, is actively coordinating to support Kenyans in need of assistance and is urging citizens in Tanzania to report violations promptly for diplomatic follow-up.

The development comes at a time when the government is stepping up efforts to protect its diaspora population worldwide amid rising concerns over labour and human rights for Kenyans abroad.