Tanzania, Kenya agree to fast-track construction of gas pipeline project

The presidents of Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to fast-track the construction of a natural gas pipeline designed to increase trade and lower energy costs for both countries.

The decision was reached Monday in bilateral talks in Dar es Salaam led by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Kenyan President William Ruto, during a two-day visit.

Last year, Hassan and Kenya’s then-president Uhuru Kenyatta signed an agreement in Nairobi to start working on the gas pipeline project, but actual construction has yet to commence.

The two countries have generally maintained positive ties in politics and trade, but have occasional trade spats.

Tanzania imposed a 25 percent import duty on Kenyan confections in 2020, saying the country used zero-rated industrial sugar imports to produce them.