Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has announced he will travel to Uganda later this year to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of what is expected to be the largest steel factory in the region, a joint venture between Kenyan investors and Ugandan resources aimed at boosting regional production and reducing reliance on steel imports.
Speaking at State House on Wednesday, President Ruto said the high-level ceremony, which he will attend alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, is tentatively scheduled for October, or by latest, November this year.
“This project will help our two countries fully utilise the resources we have for the benefit of our local industries, and open up new export opportunities,” Ruto said.
The President described the steel plant as a strategic move to cut back on steel imports and support regional manufacturing.
“It’s a joint project between Kenya and Uganda, Kenyan investors, Ugandan resources. It’s going to reduce our imports of steel and enable us to produce for our construction industry and other sectors, and also to export to the region and globally,” he added.
President Ruto expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the Ugandan government for supporting the cross-border project, which he said demonstrates the strength of bilateral ties and the growing economic integration between the two countries.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kenya, and the Kenyan investors behind this initiative, I thank you, President Museveni, for your leadership, support, and goodwill,” he said.
In a light moment during his address, Ruto also responded to a comment likening him to a bishop, clarifying, “Just to make a small correction, I am not a bishop. But I am committed that when I’m done being President, I will be an evangelist.”
He also recalled a past encounter with Museveni that underscored the Ugandan leader’s Christian values.
“I remember when you prayed for food in Kinyangori in a language I couldn’t understand. You told me that is how you were taught when you were young,” Ruto said.
The President concluded by praising Museveni as a respected elder and regional statesman whose leadership continues to shape cooperation across East Africa.
“Your wisdom inspires all of us as we work toward deeper regional integration and shared prosperity,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
