Kenya closes borders with Somalia, Tanzania due to coronavirus

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta recently made the decision to close the borders with neighboring countries Somalia and Tanzania due to the increasing number of imported COVID-19 cases. The move has sparked concerns about the economic impact and potential trade disputes between the countries. Risk expert Caroline Gathii shed light on the implications of this decision during a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Gathii explained that the closure of the borders is aimed at preventing the further spread of the virus between the three countries. The restrictions primarily affect the movement of people and vehicles, while the transportation of goods will still be permitted. However, with reports indicating that several truck drivers have been turned away from entering Kenya due to coronavirus testing, concerns about the economic consequences of disrupted trade have emerged. The impact on trade between Kenya and its neighbors is expected to be significant. Key goods that cross borders include essential items like soap, medicaments, packaging paper, maize, and socks. With restrictions in place, there may be shortages of these critical goods, leading to potential price hikes and inflation. The situation could also contribute to an economic slowdown in the region, with Kenya already facing projections of a 1.5 percent decrease in economic growth. The border closures have also raised questions about potential trade disputes, particularly between Kenya and Tanzania, two countries that have traditionally had strong trade relations. Gathii expressed hope that diplomatic efforts within the East African community would prevent any escalation of hostilities and lead to amicable resolutions. When asked about her opinion on the appropriateness of the border closures, Gathii supported the government's measures, emphasizing the severity of the pandemic and the need for proactive steps to protect the population. She noted that the decisions were made after thorough deliberations and analysis by various advisory committees in Kenya, suggesting that the actions were taken in the best interest of the people and the long-term well-being of the country. Overall, the closure of borders with Somalia and Tanzania marks a significant development in Kenya's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the decision has immediate economic implications and potential trade challenges, it underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing public health and safety during these unprecedented times.