Kindiki reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to strengthen ties with Tanzania

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Tanzania, describing the neighbouring country as a key ally and strategic trade partner within the East African region.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki represented President William Ruto and the Government of Kenya at the inauguration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania in Dodoma on Monday.

In a statement following the ceremony, Kindiki emphasized the importance of Tanzania to Kenya’s economic and diplomatic interests, noting that Nairobi’s prosperity is closely tied to regional peace and stability.

“Tanzania remains a key friendly neighbour and a strategic trade partner of Kenya. Kenya’s future is inextricably linked to a stable, peaceful and prosperous region within the context of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.

Kindiki conveyed President Ruto’s congratulations to President Samia and the people of Tanzania on the successful conclusion of the electoral process and her inauguration, expressing Kenya’s best wishes for continued peace, stability, and progress in the country.

“Kenya wishes Tanzania long-term peaceful stability and prosperity,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several regional and international dignitaries, including the Presidents of Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Somalia, as well as the Vice Presidents of Uganda, Zimbabwe, and the Comoros.

Dozens of other foreign nations were represented by high-level delegations.

Kenya and Tanzania share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties as founding members of the East African Community.

The two nations collaborate closely on cross-border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and security initiatives aimed at promoting regional integration and economic growth.

President Samia’s re-election is expected to bolster ongoing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas such as transport, energy, and investment under the frameworks of the EAC and AfCFTA.

The ceremony in Dodoma marked the beginning of President Samia’s new term in office, with leaders from across Africa pledging continued collaboration to advance economic integration and sustainable development across the continent.

Tanzania's electoral commission declared that President Samia Suluhu Hassan winner of the election, with nearly 98 per cent of the votes.

The October 29 election was marred by violence as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to protest the vote.

While official figures on voter turnout and total ballots cast were not immediately available, Suluhu's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), claimed a decisive win across all regions.

Several opposition parties were either barred or boycotted the vote, citing harassment, arrests and restrictions on campaign activities.