Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during high-level engagements with 44 European ambassadors marking five decades of Kenya-EU diplomatic relations, the Head of State emphasized that the longstanding relationship must translate into tangible economic dividends for citizens and local businesses.
Noting that the European Union accounts for 21 percent of Kenya’s global exports—primarily tea, coffee, cut flowers, and horticultural produce—Ruto urged the bloc to address non-tariff barriers, strict phytosanitary standards, high freight costs, and cold-chain infrastructure gaps limiting Kenyan exporters.
He also called for increased European capital in manufacturing, clean energy, agriculture, and artificial intelligence to position Kenya as a technology producer rather than merely a consumer.
Welcoming Nairobi’s recent designation as the EU’s fourth regional hub in Africa, President Ruto further requested affordable concessional financing to drive infrastructure growth without deepening debt vulnerabilities.
On financial governance, he highlighted that Kenya has resolved 13 of the 21 strategic deficiencies flagged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), appealing for sustained EU technical cooperation to secure removal from both the FATF Grey List and the EU High-Risk List.
Additionally, Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutionalism and human rights ahead of the August 2027 General Election, stating that Kenya welcomes consultations on deploying an EU election observer mission in accordance with national laws.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Andreas Peschke echoed the commitment, noting the bloc’s readiness to expand investment, academic exchanges, and job creation across the region.
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https://peopledaily.digital/business/ruto-announces-new-strategic-partnership-with-european-union
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