By Ben Leshau
The Government is set to establish an Immigration office in Narok County at the Kenya, Tanzania border to curb conflicts between the two countries and boost cross-border trade.
Deputy President William Ruto directed the Interior Ministry to look into the issue, saying border control will be enhanced after local residents complained over conflicts between nationals of the two countries along the border.
“I have heard your suggestion on the need for the government to establish an immigration office. We shall take up the matter with the Interior Ministry since its Chief Administrative Secretary(CAS) Patrick Ntutu is here. We need smooth business operations with our neighbours,” noted Ruto.
Local leaders led by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo whose constituency borders Tanzania called on the Government to establish the customs office to enhance business.
“The Maasais are spread across the two countries, but the colonial boundary separated us. We need an immigration office to be established so that our people will be free to undertake their activities without harassment in accordance with East African Community (EAC) spirit,” notes Tongoyo.
The exact point where the custom office shall be constructed is yet to be decided though some residents suggest Olposimoru while others suggest that it be established near the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
Kenyan tiff with the Tanzanian government ensued in November last year when Tanzanian authorities auctioned over 1,000 cows belonging to Kenyan Maasai for allegedly grazing inside the country illegally.