BRUSSELS, Belgium — President William Ruto has announced a renewed commitment between Kenya and the European Union to deepen cooperation in trade, digital transformation, and infrastructure development following talks with Ursula von der Leyen.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, Ruto said Kenya and the EU were united by common values and a shared vision of promoting inclusive, green, and sustainable economic growth.
The President described his discussions with von der Leyen as productive, noting that both sides had agreed to strengthen collaboration in three strategic areas aimed at accelerating Kenya’s economic transformation.
The first area of cooperation focuses on expanding trade through the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in 2024.
The agreement is expected to improve market access for Kenyan products, attract investment and create employment opportunities by enhancing trade relations between Kenya and the 27-member bloc.
“Kenya and the European Union are united by shared values and a shared ambition: building prosperity that is inclusive, green and sustainable,” Ruto said.
The second pillar of the partnership centres on advancing data adequacy arrangements that would position Kenya as a trusted digital partner. Such an arrangement would facilitate secure and seamless cross-border data flows, strengthen digital trade and support Kenya’s ambitions of becoming a regional technology and innovation hub.
The leaders also agreed to leverage the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, a multi-billion-euro investment programme designed to support infrastructure, energy, and connectivity projects around the world. Kenya is expected to benefit from investments aimed at modernising infrastructure and boosting sustainable economic growth.
According to Ruto, the partnership reflects a shift from traditional donor-recipient relations toward a more investment-driven and mutually beneficial framework.
“This is a partnership of equals, measured not by aid, but by what we build, invest and achieve together,” he said.
The President reiterated his administration’s push to position Kenya as a manufacturing and export hub, encouraging investors to produce goods locally for regional and international markets.
“Make it in Kenya. Make it clean. Sell it to Africa, Europe and the world,” he said.
The EU remains one of Kenya’s largest trading partners and a major source of foreign direct investment. Bilateral trade between the two sides has grown steadily in recent years, with key Kenyan exports including horticultural products, tea and coffee.
The discussions also underscore growing efforts by both Kenya and the EU to strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable development and deepen strategic ties amid evolving global economic and geopolitical challenges.
