Kenya–Uganda Pact: New Steel Plant in Tororo Poised to Power Regional Industrial Push
By The Urban Gazette Regional Economy Desk
. Tororo, Uganda / Nairobi, Kenya
On November 23.2025, Kenya’s Devki Group broke ground on a major steel plant in Tororo, eastern Uganda — a US$500 million project described by regional leaders as a cornerstone for East Africa’s industrial future.
The plant is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate value chains, and strengthen Uganda–Kenya industrial ties. Both countries’ leaders affirmed that the venture is part of a broader vision of regional self-sufficiency, intra-African trade expansion, and infrastructure-led growth.
For Uganda, the deal promises to reduce dependency on imports for construction materials — a welcome development ahead of planned investments in housing, roads and energy infrastructure. For Kenya, it offers a chance to position regional manufacturing and raw-materials supply as key pillars in Central and East Africa’s growth story.
Why it matters
This steel plant symbolizes a shift: East African economies are pushing for industrialization rather than just exporting raw materials. If successful, the project could catalyze manufacturing, reduce construction costs, and support large-scale infrastructure — accelerating urban growth and regional integration.
What to watch for
Implementation timelines: when construction will complete and production begin. Local procurement and employment — will Ugandans truly benefit? And regional supply-chain ripple effects — like cheaper steel for housing, roads and industrial projects across East Africa.
