Tanzania, May 12 -- Dar es Salaam. The race to host what could become East Africa's largest oil refinery is inatensifying, with analysts warning that Tanzania must move quickly or risk losing the multibillion-dollar project to Kenya.

The proposed refinery, linked to discussions involving Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto, has emerged as a major regional economic and geopolitical contest.

Mr Dangote was recently quoted by the Financial Times indicating preference for Mombasa, citing its larger port infrastructure and stronger fuel market.

The remarks mark a shift from earlier regional expectations that had largely placed Tanga as the likely location, partly due to its link with the East African Crude O...