Following remarks from Samia Suluhu Hassan over alleged lack of consultation on a proposed oil refinery in Tanzania, Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a detailed response addressing the matter.
His statement came after reports of disagreement sparked by Tanzania’s concerns about how the refinery proposal was communicated and discussed.
In his remarks, Ruto framed the initiative as part of a wider continental development agenda aimed at shared economic growth across Africa.
He explained: “Allow me to explain our discussion on Tanga as a place of refinery. I have been informed that my announcement has irked you a little bit.
If I had known, I would have announced its construction in Mombasa because the building of a refinery is a big opportunity for business, industrialization, petrochemical industries, fertilizer production, and plastics industries.”
Although he did not directly address why prior consultation with Tanzania had not taken place, he emphasised the broader economic rationale behind the project, stressing regional benefit.
“Our discussion was about how to industrialize our region using our resources… It is my belief and that of the leaders in our region that whatever raw materials we have should be used for the industrialization of our region so that we can create wealth, jobs, and expand opportunities here,” he said.
Ruto further noted that countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya had shown willingness to participate in the initiative, presenting it as a collaborative regional investment effort, according to AllAfrica.
He added: “The good people of Tanzania are lucky that we are discussing how to build a refinery in Tanga. It is an investment the government of Kenya is willing to undertake, Uganda is willing to invest, and many other countries are ready to come on board.”
Explaining the logistics, he highlighted the proximity between Tanga and Mombasa and suggested integrating existing infrastructure to move crude oil for refining and distribution across East Africa.
Ruto also underscored the importance of processing resources within the continent rather than exporting raw materials abroad.
“It is not tenable anymore for us to export raw materials. We must be deliberate not to export jobs, not to export opportunities, but to create them here,” he said.
He further warned against continued reliance on exporting crude oil and importing finished products, citing risks linked to global supply chains.
Concluding his remarks, the Kenyan leader acknowledged Tanzania’s strategic role, noting that its participation would be key to turning the regional refinery plan into reality.