Ruto’s Tanzania Visit Mixes Trade Wins and Refinery Gaffe

President William Ruto’s state visit to Tanzania on May 4, 2026, blended significant economic progress with an awkward diplomatic moment. In Dar es Salaam, Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan signed eight agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two East African neighbours.Strong Focus on Trade and InvestmentThe two leaders set an ambitious target: removing all remaining border delays and non-tariff barriers by the end of May 2026. Officials estimate this could unlock up to KSh 130 billion in new trade and attract KSh 65 billion in investments.The eight agreements cover key sectors including:

• Energy cooperation
• Agriculture and food security
• Railway and infrastructure development
• Maritime affairs
• Legal and judicial matters
• Public service capacity building
• Seafarer training and certification
• Harmonisation of standards between the two countries

A joint technical committee will be established to fast-track implementation, particularly at busy border points such as Namanga and Holili. Both presidents also encouraged private sector players from Kenya and Tanzania to take full advantage of the improved business environment.For Kenya, the deals support President Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by expanding markets for Kenyan goods and creating jobs through value addition.

Tanzania, on the other hand, stands to strengthen its role as a major trade gateway for the region.The Tanga Refinery GaffeThe cordial mood was briefly interrupted during the joint press conference when President Suluhu openly questioned Ruto about his earlier announcement of a major oil refinery to be built in Tanga.

The refinery idea was first floated by Ruto on April 23, 2026, during the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi. He had proposed a large regional refinery — potentially involving Uganda, South Sudan, DRC, and even interest from Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote — that would process oil from the region instead of exporting crude.Speaking in Swahili, President Suluhu told Ruto she was surprised by the public announcement without prior consultation.

She asked him to explain himself publicly.Ruto responded with his usual humour: “I have been informed that my decision to announce the building of a refinery in Tanga has not sat well with you. If I knew, I would have announced that it be built in Mombasa instead.”

He went on to clarify that the proposal was part of broader regional discussions on industrialising East Africa’s oil and mineral resources. He emphasised that talks with Tanzanian authorities are continuing to ensure proper coordination.While the light-hearted exchange eased the tension, it highlighted the importance of prior consultation on major cross-border projects.

Opposition Criticism Back Home In Kenya:

The visit drew criticism from opposition figures, particularly from the ODM-aligned Linda Mwananchi group. Leaders such as Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna questioned Ruto’s plan to address Tanzania’s parliament on May 5.

They expressed concern over alleged human rights issues and activist detentions in Tanzania ahead of elections, calling the parliamentary address inappropriate.Government officials dismissed the criticism, insisting that economic diplomacy and benefits for ordinary citizens should take precedence.

Looking AheadDespite the refinery hiccup, Ruto’s Tanzania visit delivered tangible wins in trade, agriculture, transport, and energy cooperation.

The two countries, both key members of the East African Community, continue to show that shared economic interests can drive stronger ties even when occasional diplomatic friction arises.The coming weeks will test how quickly the signed agreements are implemented and whether the Tanga refinery proposal moves forward with full buy-in from both sides.

For East Africa, deeper integration remains the bigger prize — one that could bring jobs, lower fuel prices, and stronger regional value chains for millions of citizens.