Kenyan President William Ruto has said that the construction of a regional oil refinery by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will reduce fuel costs and create jobs across East Africa.
Addressing the Tanzanian Parliament in Dodoma on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Ruto said the three countries could jointly refine oil within the region, rather than relying heavily on imported fuel.
He said the idea emerged from discussions with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on how best to maximise the benefits of oil resources discovered in East Africa.
“Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, if we unite, we can build a refinery where we process oil here in Tanga, and we will generate income and jobs for our people,” he said.
Ruto stressed that such a project would reduce dependence on external fuel supplies, strengthen regional economies, and expand employment opportunities for citizens across the three countries.