Kikwete lauds joint Kenya-Tanzania projects

Politics and policy

Presidents Jakaya Kikwete (left) and Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO | SAMUEL MIRING'U 

By EDWIN MUTAI

Outgoing Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete has sought to assure Kenyans that the relationship between the two neighbouring countries will continue to flourish even after he leaves office in less than 20 days.

President Kikwete said the incoming administration in Tanzania would pursue trade policies that are mutually beneficial to the two countries.

“I will leave office fully satisfied that I leave a strong bond between our two countries and its people. Tanzania policy towards Kenya will remain the same even when I leave office. I don’t see anybody crazy to change this,” he said.

“Have no fear… have peace of mind. I don’t see any policy change by Tanzania towards Kenya. If my party wins, that policy will remain intact. I have no doubt he (Dr John Magufuli) will win,” Mr Kikwete said.

He said Dr Magufuli, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi presidential candidate “has been a friend of Kenya.”

Dr Magufuli enjoys close ties with opposition chief Raila Odinga who attended President Kikwete’s address In Parliament on Tuesday along with former vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka.

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On investment and trade, Mr Kikwete said Kenya is not a competitor but a strategic partner as it ranks fifth among top 10 countries with investment in Tanzania. South Africa follows Kenya.

“Kenya has 518 projects with a total value of $1.685 million, creating 55,762 jobs. Tanzania exports to Kenya increased from $179.3 million to $227.9 million. Imports from Kenya rose from $1.5 million to $333.6 million,” he said.

“We in Tanzania do not view Kenya as a competitor but as a strategic partner. Out of top 10 countries , Kenya is fifth after Britain, China, America and India,” he said.

Mr Kikwete hailed the joint efforts to improve infrastructure between the two countries and singled out the recently launched 85 kilometre Arusha-Hoili/Taita Taveta road.

He said the Athi River-Namanga road was a joint effort pitched by the two countries to the African Development Bank.

“On electricity, we have been extending power in Namanga and Longido, among others. We are building a 400 KV line from Tanzania to Kenya and vice versa. We are now discussing ways to extend gas pipeline from Tanzania to Kenya,” he said.