Kenya’s President, William Samoei Ruto, has made a historic address to the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, calling for stronger unity, deeper economic cooperation, and joint development between Tanzania and Kenya.
Speaking in Dodoma, President Ruto said East African countries must work together to solve shared challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and slow industrial growth.
He stressed that regional integration under the East African Community (EAC) remains key to unlocking economic opportunities for citizens across the region.
His speech was warmly received by Members of Parliament, who applauded his message of cooperation and solidarity between the two neighbouring nations.
“Our cooperation is not a choice, it is a duty. The enemies of Tanzania are not Kenyans, and the enemies of Kenya are not Tanzanians. Our common enemies are poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment,” President Ruto said.
He called for increased investment in joint infrastructure and industrial projects, saying Africa has enough resources to transform its economy if countries work together and make bold decisions. He urged leaders to focus on value addition rather than exporting raw materials.
A key highlight of his address was support for the proposed oil refinery project in Tanga, which he said will boost regional industrial capacity by processing crude oil within East Africa instead of exporting it in raw form.
President Ruto said Kenya supports the multibillion-dollar project as part of strengthening regional cooperation.
He noted that Tanga’s strategic position and its link to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline make it suitable for such a major investment.
He said the project will help countries in the region increase revenue, create jobs for young people, and strengthen local industries. He described it as a step towards economic independence and long-term prosperity for East Africa.
“This is about ensuring that our people benefit directly from our natural resources and that the future generation inherits a stronger economy,” he said.
President Ruto also highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between Tanzania and Kenya, saying the two countries share a long tradition of cooperation in trade, culture, and social relations. He urged continued partnership for the benefit of future generations.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azan Zungu, thanked President Ruto for the address, describing it as a strong commitment to regional unity and development.
The visit is being seen as a milestone in strengthening Tanzania–Kenya relations, particularly in energy, trade, and infrastructure, with leaders emphasizing that closer cooperation will directly benefit citizens across East Africa.
