Ruto's praise for Tanzania overtaking Kenya in regional trade stirs online debate

President William Ruto has faced criticism from several leaders and Kenyans online after applauding Tanzania for surpassing Kenya in trade within the East African Community (EAC).

Speaking during an EAC summit held in Arusha, Tanzania, Ruto acknowledged Kenya's decline in regional trade leadership while applauding Tanzania for being at the forefront.

"Kenya was the leading country in terms of goods and services we trade in East Africa. Today Tanzania has overtaken Kenya, and I must commend Tanzania for the progress they are making, that the numbers are growing of trade between our countries," Ruto said during the summit.

Ruto: I commend Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in goods and services that we trade in in East Africa. In the inter-trade between our countries, Kenya was the leading country in the goods and services we trade in East Africa. pic.twitter.com/lSlt0hKFjm

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) November 30, 2024

The comments have ignited a heated online debate, with many interpreting them as an admission of Kenya's economic shortcomings.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, in a post on X, criticised the statement, saying it highlighted the shortcomings of Kenya's economic policies.

He attributed the decline in Kenya's trade dominance to high taxation, inconsistent business policies, and corruption.

"President Ruto’s commendation of Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in trade within East Africa is deeply concerning. Rather than celebrating our neighbour’s growth, this statement inadvertently highlights the failure of Kenya’s current policies to sustain its regional economic leadership," Omtatah said.

"Kenya’s underperformance is not accidental; it stems from burdensome taxation, unpredictable business policies, and widespread corruption. These factors have driven investors across the border, leading to increased unemployment, reduced tax revenues, and a sharp decline in Kenyan exports."

Leaders present at the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State High-Level Side Event in Arusha, Tanzania on November 25, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Other Kenyans on X expressed similar concerns, accusing the President of failing to address Kenya's economic challenges.

"President Ruto has admitted that he has failed Kenya, and that is why Tanzania has overtaken us in terms of trade. He is the most incompetent, clueless, shallow, and intellectually challenged politician in the history of this country. What in the name of Kenya was that?" a user identified as Soko Analyst posed.

Another user, Rapcha, questioned the optics of Ruto’s remarks: "One thing I just can't wrap my mind around is, Kenya has been ahead of Tanzania since independence, but the first time Tanzania gets ahead of Kenya, the Kenyan President gets on a plane and goes to Tanzania to congratulate them."

A president is hailing competitiveness of firms in other countries and proud that Tanzania has overtaken Kenya in EAC trade should worry right thinking Kenyans. Keyword. RIGHT THINKING

— Rein (@Asamoh_) November 30, 2024

Others highlighted Kenya's economic struggles, citing increased taxes and the closure of businesses.

"When people who do business daily talk of how difficult it has become to do business in Kenya, some ivory tower economists fish out graphs showing impressive results. But the President is commending Tanzania for overtaking us in production and crafting more taxes!" Tiwaine Ole Nchoko said.

James Chege added, "After destroying our economy, William Ruto is today clapping for Tanzania for overtaking Kenya economically. I can't believe it."

Critics such as Malila Kadir and Phil Mue questioned the President’s focus on praising Tanzania while Kenyan industries face challenges.

"This is a clear indication that he is not working hard enough to promote industrial growth in Kenya. Tanzania was bound to overtake Kenya in terms of trade, considering companies are closing shop by the day," Kadir said.

"Commending another country for progressing above you over your punitive policies is crazy," Mue added.

The controversy continues to fuel public debate, with many calling for the government to reassess its economic strategies to restore Kenya's regional trade dominance.