President William Ruto sealed a number of deals with his Tanzanian counterpart H.E Samia Suluhu aimed at bolstering a robust co-operation between Kenya and Tanzania. This is after President Ruto visited Tanzania for bilateral talks that culminated to a joint press briefing by the two heads of state in Dar es Salaam.

Trade

Key among the issues that were discussed was trade relations between the two neighbours with both presidents promising to build on the gains they had made when Kenya and Tanzania removed trade barriers during Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s term.

According to President Suluhu, her administration, in conjunction with former president Uhuru Kenyatta, had identified 68 non-tariff barriers that hampered trade. Of the 68 issues, 54 had been resolved and thus only 14 were pending. President Suluhu urged  ministers from both countries to ensure that the pending issues are resolved.

Dr Ruto on the other hand, lauded  lauded Suluhu’s government for the growth in trade in the past year. He affirmed that his administration will seek to double the figures in the coming months.

Unity

The two heads of state agreed that  the two countries would foster unity and enforce policies that enhance cooperation. This will be through the Joint Commission for Co-operation (JCC) which was scheduled to occur in August, but would be held before the end of the year.

Natural gas transportation

The two presidents promised to expediate the construction of the Dar es Salaam to Mombasa gas pipeline that will be instrumental in supplying Kenya with natural gas from Tanzania, a natural gas producer.

“We have agreed that those stakeholders involved will expedite the process so that we can use the resources in our region to lower the energy tariffs, both for industries and commercial purposes, domestic use for the benefit of our people,” Dr Ruto pointed out.

Communication

President Ruto praised the establishment of the East African One Area Network- a network that will enable people to easily communicate in a more affordable manner, bridge barriers, enhance trade and build relations.

He added that the deal was in its final process with Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda included in the plans. Ruto hailed Tanzania for ratifying the network- pointing out that the only part remaining was its operalization.