Kenya's President William Ruto advocates for deeper East African unity in address to Tanzania's Parliament
via Tuko16 min read
President William Ruto addressed the Parliament of Tanzania on May 5, 2026, emphasizing the need for stronger regional unity and cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania. He highlighted trade, infrastructure, and joint investments as crucial for shared growth, urging East African leaders to accelerate integration. Ruto noted that while bilateral trade between Kenya and Tanzania reached approximately $860 million in 2025, with projections to hit $1 billion this year, this is still a fraction of its potential. Kenyan enterprises have invested over $1.7 billion in Tanzania, while Tanzanian investments in Kenya exceed $336 million, with expectations to more than double by year-end. He stressed that overcoming mistrust and focusing on shared assets, such as the Malindi-Dar es Salaam road corridor, expanded railway connectivity, and the Kenya-Tanzania power interconnector, are vital. Ruto also called for reforms within the African Union to make it more effective and financially independent, and for the reform of global governance structures, including the United Nations Security Council and international financial architecture, to ensure fair representation and access to capital for Africa. He concluded by inviting the Tanzanian private sector to partner in this transformation, emphasizing that the future of the region depends on acting as partners rather than being constrained by suspicion.
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Must ReadInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a warning against violent demonstrations ahead of planned June 25 protests, stating that the government will not tolerate criminal conduct. Speaking at Oriwo Boys National School, Omollo clarified that while peaceful picketing and petitioning are protected constitutional rights, demonstrators must be unarmed and respect the rights of others. He emphasized that armed individuals become criminals, and the law is clear on this. Omollo also stated that security agencies will protect citizens who choose not to participate in the demonstrations, ensuring their daily routines are not disrupted. Additionally, he highlighted significant government investments in the education sector under President William Ruto's administration, noting the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past three years and the state's commitment to quality education.
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