Dodoma. Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, addressed Tanzania’s Parliament, urging stronger regional integration and the removal of barriers to trade between the two countries.
Speaking during his State visit, the Kenyan leader thanked Samia Suluhu Hassan for the invitation and warm reception.
He described the visit as historic and reaffirmed the close ties between the two nations.
He told Members of Parliament that Kenya and Tanzania are not just neighbours but “brothers and sisters” bound by shared history, culture and economic interests.
Ruto said the relationship between the two countries has been shaped by cooperation dating back to the independence era.
He cited the role of founding leaders Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta in advancing regional unity.
He noted that the revival of the East African Community (EAC) reflects a continued commitment to integration despite past setbacks.
The Kenyan President said mistrust among neighbouring countries remains a major obstacle to progress.
He urged leaders to move beyond suspicion and embrace cooperation.
“Our biggest barrier is not infrastructure or policy. It is mistrust,” he said.
Ruto highlighted growing economic ties between the two countries.
He said bilateral trade reached about $860 million in 2025 and is projected to hit $1 billion this year.
He added that Kenyan investments in Tanzania now exceed $1.7 billion.
Tanzanian investments in Kenya stand at more than $336 million and are expected to rise further.
He described cross-border investments as key drivers of trade and industrial growth.
He also emphasised the role of small and medium enterprises in strengthening economic links.
The President called for increased intra-regional trade within the EAC.
He noted that trade within the bloc accounts for only 15 to 20 percent of total trade, leaving significant room for growth.
He said deeper integration would create jobs, expand markets and build resilience against global shocks.
Ruto also stressed the importance of infrastructure in supporting integration.
He cited ongoing and planned projects, including road and railway links connecting Kenya and Tanzania.
He mentioned the Malindi–Lunga Lunga–Dar es Salaam corridor as a strategic route for trade and tourism.
He also referred to planned railway expansion linking Kenya to Tanzania and the wider Great Lakes region.
On energy, he highlighted the Kenya–Tanzania power interconnector, which has improved electricity reliability and enabled power trade between the two countries.
He said future projects would further strengthen regional energy systems and support economic growth.
The President welcomed recent decisions made at the 25th EAC Summit.
These include a new financing model, institutional reforms and a directive to eliminate non-tariff barriers by June 30, 2026.
He urged all partner states to implement these decisions without delay.
“Implementation is now key,” he said.
Ruto also spoke on continental issues.
He called for reforms in the African Union to make it more effective and financially independent.
He further urged reforms in global governance institutions, including the UN Security Council, to ensure Africa is adequately represented.
On economic matters, he called for changes in the global financial system to improve access to affordable capital for African countries.
He said high borrowing costs continue to hinder development across the continent.
The Kenyan leader emphasised the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade and economic growth.
He said the agreement could increase trade across the continent by more than 80 percent if fully implemented.
Ruto concluded by urging leaders to prioritise unity and shared prosperity.
“The question before us is not whether we are neighbours. It is whether we will choose to act as partners,” he said.
His address underscored a renewed push for closer Tanzania–Kenya ties, anchored in trade, infrastructure and regional cooperation.
