DODOMA, Tanzania- President William Ruto has urged East African nations to abandon mistrust and accelerate regional integration, warning that failure to act decisively could stall economic growth and weaken the region’s global influence.
Addressing Tanzania’s Parliament in Dodoma on Tuesday, Ruto framed Kenya and Tanzania not just as neighbours but as “brothers and sisters,” calling for a renewed commitment to shared prosperity.
He acknowledged historical tensions that have often shaped relations between neighbouring states, saying suspicion and competition had long fragmented markets and constrained collective progress.
“We must ask ourselves honestly: are we moving forward together, or repeating the mistakes of the past?” he posed.
The Kenyan leader pointed to the legacy of Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta, whose vision of unity led to the formation of the East African Community (EAC).
While the bloc has since been revived and expanded, Ruto said deeper integration is now urgently needed.
He cited growing economic ties between Kenya and Tanzania, noting bilateral trade reached about $860 million in 2025 and is projected to hit $1 billion this year.
However, he stressed that intra-regional trade across East Africa remains below potential, accounting for just 15–20% of total trade.
“This is not a limitation; it is an opportunity,” he said.
Ruto highlighted infrastructure projects as key to unlocking growth, including cross-border road networks, railway expansion into the Great Lakes region, and power interconnectors linking national grids.
He also backed joint investment in strategic assets, including a proposed oil refinery in Tanga, signalling Kenya’s willingness to partner despite its location outside Kenyan territory.
The President further called for the removal of non-tariff barriers by mid-2026 and implementation of key reforms agreed at the latest EAC summit.
Beyond the region, he pushed for stronger African unity under the African Union and renewed calls for reform of global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council.
“A system that excludes Africa cannot claim legitimacy,” Ruto said.
His address comes during a State Visit hosted by Samia Suluhu Hassan, signalling renewed diplomatic momentum between Nairobi and Dodoma.
