Ruto Heads to Europe to Seek Markets for Kenyan Products and Attract Investment

President William Ruto has embarked on a tour of Europe aimed at expanding market opportunities for Kenyan products, attracting foreign investment and strengthening economic partnerships.

In a statement issued on June 7, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the President will undertake official visits to Belgium and Norway, as well as a State Visit to Finland.

According to Hussein, the visit is intended to boost exports, create jobs and support Kenya’s economic growth agenda through increased trade and investment.

“President William Ruto departs for official visits to Belgium and Norway, and a State Visit to Finland aimed at attracting investment, expanding market access for Kenyan products and strengthening partnerships that boost exports, create jobs and drive economic growth,” he said.

In Belgium, President Ruto is expected to hold talks with King Philippe and Matthias Diependaele on trade, investment and bilateral relations.

He will also meet António Costa and Roberta Metsola to discuss the implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement.

The agreement grants Kenyan exports duty-free and quota-free access to European markets, a move expected to benefit key sectors such as tea, coffee, cut flowers and horticultural produce.

In Norway, the President will hold discussions with Jonas Gahr Støre and Haakon on renewable energy, maritime development and the blue economy.

President Ruto is also scheduled to attend the Norway Business Forum, where investors from Kenya and Norway will explore opportunities in electric mobility, climate-smart agriculture and clean energy.

The final leg of the tour will take him to Finland, where Alexander Stubb will host him for a State Visit.

The two leaders are expected to oversee the signing of agreements covering education, technology, healthcare, clean energy, and peace and security cooperation.

President Ruto will also participate in the Kenya-Finland Business Forum, which will focus on investment opportunities in technology, manufacturing, innovation and value addition.

In addition, he is expected to address the Kultaranta Talks, where Africa is among the key topics of discussion this year.

The European tour comes just days after President Ruto concluded a State Visit to South Africa, where he held talks with Cyril Ramaphosa and attended a business forum aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.