President William Ruto has moved to calm growing speculation about a possible dispute between Kenya and Uganda over access to the Indian Ocean, saying the two countries remain close allies.

Speaking on Sunday, November 23, 2025, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Steel Factory in Osukuru, Tororo District, Uganda, Ruto criticised claims that Uganda was preparing to wage war to secure a route to the ocean.

He accused some media outlets of exaggerating President Yoweri Museveni’s earlier remarks on regional security and access to sea routes.

“I know people in the journalist space try to create an impression that Uganda has said something to the effect that they need to access the sea by all means. Let me assure the naysayers that Uganda and Kenya are brothers and sisters, and we do not have time for negative engagement,” Ruto said.

Museveni had earlier clarified that his comments on the Indian Ocean had focused on long-term security and the need for a unified East African defence structure. He denied any hostile intentions, saying he supports deeper political and military integration within the East African Community.

Ruto added that Uganda already enjoys access through Kenya, noting ongoing infrastructure projects between the two nations.

“Uganda is assured of access to the sea through Kenya, and that is why we are not only extending the pipeline, we are also extending the road, and we are also extending the railway, because we believe that this region needs to move as one,” he said.

“We do not have time for negative talk. We have time for progress. We want to work together to create jobs. We want to work together to attract investments. We want to work together to do investments like the one I see here today. The ones we are doing in Kenya, and doing in the rest of this region.”

“We want to connect this region so that we can share prosperity, because poverty cannot be shared. I reiterate Kenya’s readiness to continue working hand-in-hand with Uganda, Rwanda, and all our East African partners to transform today’s milestone into tomorrow’s prosperity.”

More partnerships

Ruto stressed that the partnership aims to improve trade, movement, and investment across East Africa.

“Let me assure you, Mr. President, that Kenya is going to work with Uganda and other regional partners for the prosperity of this region, to create a much more competitive region, to make sure that we extend the pipeline, to make sure that we co-invest in the pipeline, that we extend the railway.”

“And, Mr. President, next week on Friday, I will be launching the dueling of the road from Rironi near Nairobi that will come all the way to Malaba. As you know, Mr. President, today that road is getting slower as traffic increases.”

“And therefore, we have made the strategic decision to create a highway and dual that road so that we can facilitate faster movement of goods, people, and services between Kenya, Uganda, and the rest of the East African hinterland.”

SGR, KPC projects unveiled

Ruto also announced that Kenya will start work in January 2026 to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kampala. The extension will later link to DRC through existing routes.

“In January, we will be launching the extension of SGR from Naivasha to Kampala and onwards to join the pipeline from Malaba to DRC. We will coordinate the two governments to improve transport and logistics in our region and be more competitive and enhance collaboration,” he stated.

Ruto further confirmed plans for joint ownership of the Kenya Pipeline Company once privatisation begins. Kenya intends to divest up to 65 per cent of its shares, opening investment opportunities for Uganda and other East African citizens.

“I am happy that Uganda is prepared to invest with us because that Kenya Pipeline facility is not just a Kenyan facility; it is a regional facility,” he said.

During the event, Ruto highlighted Uganda’s importance as Kenya’s largest export market, saying trade between the two countries remains strong.

“Last year, we exported close to 120 billion Kenyan shillings to this great country. And the bilateral relations between Uganda and Kenya are solid.”