President William Ruto has urged European investors to increase investments in Kenya's manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, energy and healthcare sectors.
The President stated that deeper economic cooperation should translate into jobs and improved livelihoods.
Ruto said Kenya was seeking to move beyond trade relations with the European Union (EU) towards partnerships that support local production, technology transfer and industrial growth.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with EU delegations serving across Africa, the President said European investments would be critical in unlocking Kenya's economic potential.
"We seek greater European investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, energy and healthcare that expands local production, transfer of technology and create jobs," Ruto said.
He identified the EU Global Gateway Initiative as an important platform through which Kenya could attract affordable financing for transformative projects.
The President urged European partners to mobilise resources through concessional and blended financing instruments while ensuring meaningful participation of African enterprises.
"Its success must be measured by infrastructure delivered, jobs created, technology transferred and local industries strengthened," he said.
Ruto welcomed the designation of Nairobi as the EU's fourth regional hub in Africa, describing it as an important development in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Kenya and Europe.
He said the partnership should ultimately be assessed through its impact on ordinary citizens rather than the number of agreements signed.
"Ultimately our relationship will be measured by opportunities we create, investments we mobilise and improvements we make in the lives of the people," he said.
The President noted that the European Union remained Kenya's largest export market, accounting for 21 per cent of the country's global exports.
He cited agricultural products, including tea, coffee, horticultural produce and cut flowers, as among the key exports sustaining hundreds of thousands of livelihoods.
Ruto said the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which came into force in June 2024, had opened opportunities for Kenyan products in the European market.
He called for its effective implementation alongside the 10-year strategy launched in July, saying the arrangements must translate market access into tangible economic benefits for Kenyan businesses and producers.
The President also identified digital transformation as another promising area for cooperation, urging the EU to support Kenya's efforts to expand its digital economy.
He further called for more affordable financing, saying developing economies needed access to resources that could support their development priorities without imposing unsustainable financial burdens.
On regional security, Ruto appreciated European support for African-led peace missions, noting the importance of international cooperation in addressing conflicts and promoting stability across the continent.
He also addressed Kenya's preparations for the 2027 general election, reaffirming the government's commitment to the rule of law, accountability and human rights.
Ruto said Kenya welcomed consultations with the EU on the possibility of deploying an election observer mission, provided the engagement was consistent with the country's laws and established procedures.
"We welcome consultation on an EU observer mission consistent with our laws and procedures," he said.
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