Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania — 5 May 2026
At the invitation of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, undertook a State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania from 4–5 May 2026.
During the visit, H.E. President Ruto addressed the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania in Dodoma, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding relations between the two countries. In his address, he reaffirmed the shared commitment of Kenya and Tanzania to strengthening unity, deepening regional integration, and advancing sustainable and inclusive development within the framework of the East African Community (EAC).
The two leaders underscored the central role of Kenya and Tanzania as key pillars in driving the economic transformation of East Africa. They emphasized the importance of enhanced bilateral cooperation and coordinated regional action to address common challenges, particularly youth unemployment, poverty, and underdevelopment.
Both sides reiterated that regional cooperation remains a strategic imperative for the prosperity and stability of their peoples. In this regard, they called for strengthened collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and industrialization, with a focus on building resilient regional value chains and reducing dependence on external markets.
The leaders further highlighted the importance of joint investments in strategic sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and transport. They welcomed ongoing and proposed flagship projects aimed at accelerating economic integration, including the development of a modern oil refinery in Tanga and the continued advancement of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, as critical enablers of regional energy security and economic growth.
In addition, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and security within the region, recognizing that sustainable development is intrinsically linked to a secure and stable environment.
The Speaker of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mussa Azan Zungu, conveyed appreciation for the address delivered by H.E. President Ruto, noting that it reflected a shared vision for strengthened cooperation and mutual prosperity between the two nations.
The visit concluded in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, solidarity, and renewed commitment to advancing the strategic partnership between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Kenya for the benefit of their peoples and the broader East African region.
