Fresh uncertainty has emerged over plans to construct an oil refinery in Tanga, after Samia Suluhu disclosed that her government had not been formally briefed on the project prior to its public announcement.
The refinery proposal had been unveiled in Nairobi last month by William Ruto alongside Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, suggesting a major regional energy investment.
However, speaking to the media on May 4, President Suluhu indicated that the announcement came as a surprise, noting that no official clearance had been issued by her administration. She revealed that she sought clarification directly from President Ruto following his recent state visit.
“As we were speaking privately, I asked President Ruto to explain why he went ahead and announced a refinery project in Tanga while I was unaware of it. He now needs to explain to us why he made that announcement,” she said.
Her remarks have cast doubt on the readiness and coordination of the proposed project, raising concerns about the extent of consultation between regional partners.
Earlier, during the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Expo held on April 28, President Ruto had indicated that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had jointly agreed to develop a single, large-scale refinery to be located in Tanzania, with backing from key investors.
The latest developments now leave the project’s status unclear, as questions emerge over whether a formal agreement exists and how discussions between the involved countries will proceed.
