President William Ruto has stepped up efforts to attract European investors to Kenya, calling for stronger partnerships that can create jobs, expand local industries and improve the country's infrastructure.
The President has urged European companies to move beyond buying raw materials from African countries and instead establish factories in Kenya where products can be processed before being exported to international markets.
During the Kenya-Belgium Business Roundtable in Brussels in June 2026, Ruto told investors from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg that Kenya was ready to work with businesses interested in manufacturing, technology, agriculture and clean energy.
He argued that Kenya should benefit more from its natural resources by increasing local production and value addition rather than exporting raw materials for processing abroad.
Ruto also encouraged European firms to take advantage of Kenya's renewable energy resources, particularly geothermal power, to support environmentally friendly manufacturing.
The President noted that Kenya's Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union gives Kenyan products duty-free and quota-free access to the European market. He said the arrangement provides investors with an opportunity to manufacture goods locally and sell them across Europe.
The government also wants to strengthen infrastructure to support industrial growth. Ruto proposed closer cooperation between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium and the Kenya Ports Authority to improve cargo handling, cold storage and the movement of agricultural exports.
On technology, he encouraged partnerships in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and semiconductor skills development.
The investment discussions also produced commitments in the digital sector. During his Brussels visit, Ruto welcomed €102 million in investments under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, alongside €37 million in EU support for the Blue Raman submarine cable extension connecting Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania.
The European Union has described Kenya as an important economic and strategic partner in Africa. Its Global Gateway programme supports investments in transport, renewable energy and digital connectivity.
According to the European Commission, the partnership also targets improved trade links and stronger private-sector investment to support Kenya's economic development.
Ruto's latest investment push comes as Kenya seeks to attract more foreign capital, expand manufacturing and create employment opportunities for its growing population.
The challenge will now be turning the investment discussions into actual factories, infrastructure projects and jobs for Kenyans.
Sources:https://www.the-star.co.ke/news
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