President Ruto hosts heads of European Union delegations to African countries at State House, Nairob

Ruto Hosts Over 40 EU Ambassadors at State House as Kenya Moves to Strengthen Ties With Europe

President William Ruto has hosted senior European Union (EU) diplomats representing various African countries at State House in Nairobi, in a high-level engagement highlighting Kenya's growing diplomatic relations with Europe.

The meeting brings together heads of EU delegations serving across the African continent, as Nairobi hosts the Regional Seminar of Heads of European Union Delegations to African countries.

The gathering comes at a significant time for Kenya and the European Union, as the two partners celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations established in 1976.

More than 40 EU ambassadors are attending the regional seminar, which has placed Kenya at the centre of important diplomatic engagements between Europe and Africa.

The discussions surrounding the gathering focus on strengthening cooperation in key areas, including trade, investment, digital transformation, climate action, migration, governance and regional security.

Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing'oei, has called for a stronger and more practical partnership between Africa and Europe, emphasising the need for cooperation that delivers meaningful benefits to citizens.

He also highlighted Kenya's growing economic relationship with the European Union, noting that the bloc remains the country's largest export market, accounting for approximately one-fifth of Kenya's exports.

Trade between Kenya and the EU has reportedly increased by about 20 per cent since the Economic Partnership Agreement came into force in July 2024.

The partnership has also opened opportunities for Kenyan businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector, with horticultural products such as flowers continuing to play an important role in exports.

The Nairobi seminar further demonstrates Kenya's growing importance as a diplomatic centre, with the country increasingly attracting international engagements involving governments and development partners.