President William Ruto has revealed plans to travel to Uganda later this year to attend the groundbreaking of a steel plant set to become the largest in East Africa, marking a major step towards regional industrial growth and reduced dependence on steel imports.

The project is a collaboration between Kenyan investors and Ugandan resources, designed to strengthen cross-border trade and boost local manufacturing.

Speaking at State House on Wednesday, Ruto said the event will take place either in October or, at the latest, November, and will be presided over jointly with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

He emphasised the importance of the project to both countries, describing it as a long-term investment in regional economic self-reliance.

“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,” said Ruto.

He explained that the steel plant will support the construction sector, reduce the region’s import bill, and improve the ability to produce and export steel products within and beyond Africa.

“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.

Ruto also thanked Museveni and the Ugandan authorities for backing the project, calling it a symbol of strong bilateral ties and progress toward deeper 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.

While making his remarks, the President also responded with humour to a comparison made between him and a bishop, saying, “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 went on to reflect on an earlier experience with Museveni that highlighted the Ugandan leader’s religious upbringing.

“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.

He ended his speech by describing Museveni as a respected elder in the region whose leadership has guided East Africa toward greater unity and cooperation.

“Your wisdom inspires all of us as we work toward deeper regional integration and shared prosperity,” he said.