Ruto Calls for Stronger Kenya-Tanzania Unity, Warns Against Regional Rivalry in Dodoma Address 05.05.2026

On Tuesday, President William Ruto addressed the Tanzanian Parliament in Dodoma, urging enhanced Kenya-Tanzania economic integration and cautioning against narratives of competition and rivalry that fragment East African markets. He invoked historical solidarity, recalling Tanzania's support during Kenya's Mau Mau uprising and the shared vision of founding leaders Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta for a united Africa. Ruto reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to regional projects, including the proposed oil refinery in Tanga and infrastructure like the Malindi-Lunga Lunga-Dar es Salaam corridor and the 400kV power interconnector. Citing bilateral trade of $860 million in 2025, projected to reach $1 billion, with Kenyan investments in Tanzania exceeding $1.7 billion and Tanzanian investments in Kenya at $336 million, he emphasized mutual progress. Stating "Our enemies are poverty, unemployment and joblessness," he called for accelerated integration to boost trade and youth employment, with Tanzanian lawmakers praising the speech as practical cooperation.















