President William Ruto has called for fast-tracking the proposed East African oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, saying it will help the region reduce reliance on external fuel suppliers and strengthen local production.
Speaking during his address to Tanzania’s National Assembly on May 5, 2026, Ruto said the refinery project is part of a broader regional strategy aimed at using local resources to create jobs, boost industrial growth, and expand infrastructure development.
He noted that East Africa continues to depend heavily on refined oil imports from the Middle East, a situation he said the planned facility would help change by keeping production within the region.
Ruto explained that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had already discussed working together on shared industrial projects, including producing fuel, fertilizer, and plastics locally instead of relying on imports. He stressed that cooperation among the three countries would help retain jobs and value within the region.
He also referenced discussions from a recent regional summit where Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote expressed interest in leading the construction of a large refinery in Tanzania, similar to his project in Nigeria with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
Ruto said Kenya is ready to support the initiative, noting that infrastructure such as the crude oil pipeline to Tanga is already taking shape and could strengthen trade links with Mombasa. He added that reducing dependence on supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz would improve regional energy security.
“What is good for Tanzania is good for Kenya, and what is good for Kenya is good for Tanzania,” he said.
The proposed refinery, estimated to cost about USD 20 billion, is expected to help meet rising fuel demand in East Africa and reduce exposure to global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting oil prices.
Uganda is also developing its own refinery project in Hoima, which is expected to complement regional efforts, with surplus production potentially supporting the Tanga facility once completed.
