AfricaPress-Tanzania: Cargo trucks carrying consignment of maize grain from Tanzania that were stuck at Namanga border since last week after Kenyan authorities refused them entry, were likely to resume their journey yesterday.
Tanzanian ambassador to Kenya, Dr John Stephen Simbachawene, has confirmed here that negotiations to that effect were on good course and that the maize will now be permitted to be shipped to Nairobi as usual after officials in the neighboring country satisfied themselves that the grain produce consignment were safe for human consumption after all.
The negotiations may come with some ultimatums that are yet to be disclosed by both parties. Maize traders whose consignment were still stuck on Tanzanian side of Namanga Border, in Longido District lamented the ordeal, appealing for speedy solutions to the quagmire.
“We are sure everything can be amicably solved through mutual discussions between Kenya and Tanzania officials,” stated Christina Emmanuel one of the affected business persons on behalf of other traders.
On his part the Longido District Commissioner, Frank Mwausumbe who had spoken earlier affirmed here the talks regarding maize consignment showed positive outcome and that soon the trucks will be allowed to enter Kenya with the cargo of maize.
Late last week, Kenya had banned the importation of grains from Uganda and Tanzania saying the maize from her two East African neighbors were unfit for human consumption due to high levels of aflatoxin, to which Tanzania denied.
