Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has raised concerns over a proposed oil refinery in Tanga, revealing she was unaware of the project despite it being publicly announced by Kenya’s President William Ruto.
Speaking during President Ruto’s state visit to Tanzania, Suluhu revealed that she confronted Ruto over the announcement, questioning why such a significant development had been made without her knowledge.
“Sasa tupo kuwa tunaongea ndani kule nilimbana Ruto… umependa kutangaza refinery Tanga mbona mimi sijui,” Suluhu said, indicating her surprise at the announcement and urging Ruto to explain his position publicly.
Ruto Defends Vision for Regional Industrialization
Responding to the concerns, President Ruto defended the proposal, framing it as part of a broader regional economic strategy.
“Allow me to explain our discussion on Tanga as a refinery… because the building of a refinery is a big opportunity, big opportunity to business, big opportunity for industrialization, big opportunity for petrochemical industries, fertilizer industries, plastics industries,” Ruto stated.
He emphasized that the refinery would not just be a national project, but a regional economic catalyst designed to unlock value from East Africa’s natural resources.
Ruto linked the refinery proposal to conversations with regional leaders, including Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, on how to better utilize oil, minerals, and agricultural outputs.
“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 here, we can create jobs here, we can expand opportunities here,” he said.
The Kenyan leader revealed that several countries had already expressed interest in backing the refinery project, including Rwanda under President Paul Kagame.
“It is an investment that the government of Kenya is willing to invest. The government of Uganda is willing to invest… I’m told… they are willing to invest. And many other countries are willing to invest. I hope Tanzania is also willing to invest,” Ruto added.
Ruto highlighted the logistical advantage of Tanga’s proximity to Mombasa, noting that the two coastal cities could be integrated into a broader energy distribution network.
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