Kenya’s President Ruto Calls for Stronger East African Unity in Historic Tanzania Parliament Address
DODOMA, Tanzania — Kenya’s President William Ruto delivered a landmark address to the Tanzanian Parliament on Tuesday, urging deeper economic ties between Kenya and Tanzania while cautioning against divisive narratives that hinder regional progress. Speaking in Dodoma, Ruto emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in unlocking East Africa’s full potential.
A Vision Rooted in History
Ruto invoked the shared legacy of Kenya and Tanzania’s founding fathers, Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta, who championed regional integration during their time. “They understood that Africa’s future would not be secured in isolation but in unity,” Ruto told lawmakers. He highlighted how their vision laid the groundwork for the East African Community (EAC), a bloc aimed at fostering economic and political collaboration.
Despite this shared history, Ruto acknowledged that competition and mistrust have often strained relations between neighboring countries. “If we are honest with ourselves, some of these forces are still very much alive,” he said. “They continue to shape our narratives and fragment our markets.”
Economic Integration as a Path Forward
Ruto stressed that Kenya and Tanzania are not competitors but partners in development. He pointed to bilateral trade figures, which reached $860 million in 2025 and are projected to hit $1 billion this year, as evidence of growing economic interdependence.
Kenyan firms have invested over $1.7 billion in Tanzania, while Tanzanian businesses have poured $336 million into Kenya. “This growing private sector confidence reflects the strength of our cooperation,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President also highlighted key infrastructure projects designed to bolster regional connectivity, including the Malindi-Lunga Lunga-Dar es Salaam corridor, the planned Voi-Singida-Burundi railway, and the 400kV Kenya-Tanzania power interconnector. “These projects are not just infrastructure; they are economic lifelines that connect our people and markets,” he said.
Collaborative Investment Initiatives
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s support for Tanzania’s proposed oil refinery in Tanga, a project expected to benefit the entire region. While acknowledging Mombasa as Kenya’s preferred location for such a facility, he emphasized that Tanga, just 200 kilometers away, is part of the same economic ecosystem.
“Personally, I am helping to bring investment to Tanga,” Ruto said. “Let us work together as East Africans. What is good for Tanzania is good for Kenya, and what is good for Kenya is good for Tanzania.”
He also cited Uganda’s recent acquisition of a stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company as a positive example of regional ownership of shared assets.
Shared Challenges, United Solutions
Ruto urged Kenya and Tanzania to focus on common challenges rather than rivalry. “Our enemies are poverty, unemployment, and joblessness,” he declared. He called for accelerated regional integration to boost trade, competitiveness, and job creation, particularly for East Africa’s youth.
“Young people are central to our continent’s future prosperity,” he said. “Integration will unlock opportunities for them and ensure our collective progress.”
Tanzanian Lawmakers Applaud Ruto’s Message
The President’s speech resonated strongly with Tanzanian lawmakers. Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu emphasized the importance of peace for regional development, while Tanga MP Jumaa Aweso welcomed the proposed oil refinery as a symbol of practical leadership and cooperation.
Ikungi West MP Elibariki Kingu praised Ruto for embodying the ideals of Africa’s founding fathers. “He reminded us that the dreams of Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta live on,” Kingu said. “Kenyans made no mistake in electing him.”
A Call to Action
Ruto’s address underscored the urgent need for East African nations to move beyond historical rivalries and embrace a shared vision of prosperity. By fostering deeper investment ties and accelerating regional integration, Kenya and Tanzania can pave the way for a stronger, more united East Africa.
As Ruto concluded, he left Tanzanian lawmakers—and the region—with a powerful reminder: “Our strength lies in our unity.”
— Reported by Nexio News
