President William Ruto has announced a major policy shift, declaring that Kenya will no longer export raw minerals as the government moves to prioritise local processing and value addition.
Speaking during the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi on Thursday, Ruto said the country has for years lost significant revenue by allowing minerals to be exported in their raw form with minimal benefit to citizens.
“Regarding minerals, we are not exporting anything raw going forward, the instructions are very clear,” he stated.
The President pointed to past cases, including titanium mining, where large quantities were exported with little return to the country or surrounding communities.
He warned that such practices risk depriving future generations of the full benefits of Kenya’s natural resources.
Ruto said the directive will apply across the entire mineral sector, including rare earth minerals and gold, as the government works to build a strong local processing industry that creates jobs and boosts economic growth.
He emphasised that Kenya, alongside the East African region, must shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods, adding that this transition is key to strengthening local industries.
The President also welcomed a proposed partnership involving Aliko Dangote of the Dangote Group to develop an oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania.
He noted that the project would enhance regional industrialisation and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Ruto further urged African nations to rely more on internal resources to fund infrastructure and industrial projects, warning that overdependence on foreign capital could undermine long-term economic goals.
He concluded that partnerships with African investors will be crucial in driving manufacturing, job creation, and sustainable development across the continent.
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