President William Ruto and Uganda President Yoweri Museveni Launch Landmark East African Steel Plant in Tororo, Uganda. Photo by PPS 
By Andrew Mbuva
President William Samoei Ruto on Sunday joined Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in launching the region’s first Vertically Integrated Steel Industry, marking what he described as “a bold new chapter in Africa’s industrialisation journey.”
Speaking during the ceremony in Tororo, President Ruto said the multi-billion–shilling facility represents far more than a factory — it is a decisive step toward transforming East Africa into a globally competitive industrial hub.
He praised the project as an example of visionary leadership, daring entrepreneurship, and deepening regional partnerships.
Ruto congratulated President Museveni for championing large-scale industrial investments, noting that the project had been a subject of bilateral discussions over several years, including during Museveni’s state visit to Kenya in July.
He also acknowledged Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame for his consistent advocacy for East African Community (EAC) integration, which he said had created an enabling climate for such transformative ventures.
The Tororo steel facility—developed by Devki Group Chairman Dr. Narendra Raval—already employs more than 400 workers and is projected to expand its workforce to 20,000 across East Africa by 2027.
Ruto said the plant will stimulate new value chains for small businesses, power regional trade, and open thousands of cross-border opportunities in transport, energy, construction, and professional services.
Calling Dr. Raval “a distinguished Kenyan industrialist whose focus and determination brought the vision to life,” Ruto celebrated the project as a shining example of African entrepreneurship answering Africa’s needs.
President Ruto pointed to the continent’s surging demand for steel—currently at 39.5 million tonnes annually and projected to reach 52 million tonnes by 2034. He said East Africa must take advantage of its vast iron ore deposits—estimated at up to 25 billion tonnes—to meet domestic demand and compete globally.
“The Tororo plant sends a powerful message that Africa not only has the resources but also the courage to build world-class industries,” Ruto said, adding that the project aligns with Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision for regional value addition and economic integration.
Ruto emphasized that Kenya remains committed to advancing regional industrial integration, noting that coordinated industrial policies, shared infrastructure, and cross-border manufacturing will be key to accelerating East Africa’s collective prosperity.
“As a region, our combined strength far exceeds what any of us can achieve alone,” he stated. “Today’s milestone must become tomorrow’s prosperity.”
The launch of the Tororo Vertically Integrated Steel Industry is expected to reshape the region’s manufacturing landscape, positioning the EAC as a rising industrial powerhouse on the continent.
