NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has left for a multi-country tour of Europe aimed at attracting investment, expanding market access for Kenyan products, and strengthening economic partnerships with key European nations.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the President will undertake official visits to Belgium and Norway before concluding the trip with a State Visit to Finland.
The tour is expected to focus on trade, investment, job creation, and implementation of existing economic cooperation agreements between Kenya and European partners.
Belgium Talks to Focus on Trade and Investment
In Belgium, President Ruto is scheduled to hold talks with King Philippe and Matthias Diependaele on strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and investment cooperation.
The President will also engage business leaders on opportunities in value addition, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics as Kenya seeks to attract more foreign direct investment and increase exports.
A key part of the Belgium visit will include consultations with senior European Union leaders, among them António Costa and Roberta Metsola.
Discussions are expected to centre on the implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which grants Kenyan exports duty-free and quota-free access to the European market.
State House said the agreement is expected to create additional opportunities for Kenyan exporters, particularly in tea, coffee, flowers, horticulture, and other value-added products.
Renewable Energy and Blue Economy on Norway Agenda
While in Norway, President Ruto will meet Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and hold an audience with Crown Prince Haakon.
He is also scheduled to participate in the Kenya-Norway Business Forum, where investors from both countries will explore partnerships in renewable energy, electric mobility, the blue economy, climate-smart agriculture, and other sectors considered critical to sustainable economic growth.
The government says the engagements are intended to generate investment, create jobs, and support Kenya’s transition to a green economy.
Finland Visit to Deepen Strategic Cooperation
The President will conclude the tour with a State Visit to Finland at the invitation of President Alexander Stubb.
The visit follows President Stubb’s State Visit to Kenya in May 2025 and is expected to deepen cooperation in education, technology, digitalisation, clean energy, environmental sustainability, health, and peace and security.
President Ruto will also attend the Kenya-Finland Business Forum, bringing together investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in technology, manufacturing, innovation, clean energy, and value addition.
In addition, he will participate in the Kultaranta Talks, an international foreign and security policy forum that will this year include discussions on Africa’s role in global peace, security, sustainable development, and reform of international institutions.
State House said the engagements are expected to strengthen bilateral relations while opening new avenues for investment and trade that support Kenya’s economic growth agenda and job creation efforts.
