President Ruto is scheduled to address Tanzania’s parliament on Tuesday, where his speech is expected to highlight the need for closer ties between the two East African nations.
This even as Kenya and Tanzania Monday signed eight agreements to deepen bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation across key sectors.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, President William Ruto who is on a two day state visit in Tanzania noted that the agreements establish new frameworks for collaboration in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, regional logistics, public service, security, and energy.
Kenya, Tanzania sign eight agreements establishing new frameworks for collaboration in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, regional logistics, public service, security, and energy.#KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/lPEnA7evim
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 4, 2026
The deals are expected to enhance economic integration, improve cross-border efficiency, and reinforce the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.
During their discussions the two leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to strengthen strategic partnership for the benefit of Kenya and Tanzania.
“President Samia and I have held productive and candid bilateral discussions during which we undertook a comprehensive review of our relations and reaffirmed our shared resolve to strengthen our strategic partnership for the benefit of our peoples,” noted President Ruto.
KENYA-TANZANIA TIES
Ruto: We reaffirm our commitment to enhance our cooperation to ensure our shared borders remain zones of peace. #KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/EBvV3cw8Zn
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 4, 2026
They noted the progress made under the Joint Commission for Cooperation, which has held four sessions since its establishment in 2009 and continues to serve as a vital framework for collaboration in trade, agriculture, education, and other key sectors. “We look forward to the Fifth Session later this year,” Ruto noted.
Presidents Ruto and Samia welcomed the continued growth in bilateral trade, which reached Ksh. 111billion (860.3 million dollars) in 2025, reflecting expanding opportunities and strong economic complementarities between our two nations.
Ruto said they discussed the need to unlock the full potential of trade by addressing remaining challenges in market access.
“In this regard, we reaffirmed our commitment to eliminate all outstanding non-tariff barriers by 30th June, 2026, as directed by the 25th East African Community Summit,” he remarked.
The barriers he says have hit dairy, maize, eggs, steel, and confectionery shipments for years, with trucks often detained at border points over paperwork, standards, or ad hoc levies.
