President William Ruto has left the country for a series of diplomatic engagements in Belgium, Norway, and Finland, with the visits centered on strengthening trade ties, attracting investment, and expanding economic cooperation.
In Belgium, he is expected to hold discussions with King Philippe and Flanders Minister-President Matthias Diependaele aimed at deepening bilateral relations and boosting trade and investment.
He will also meet European Union leaders, including European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, to review the implementation of the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which grants Kenyan exports duty-free and quota-free access to European markets.
Ruto embarks on Europe tour to boost trade, attract investment and deepen Kenya-EU partnerships. Photo: Courtesy.
The talks are expected to enhance opportunities for key export sectors such as tea, coffee, horticulture, flowers, and other value-added products.
Ruto will also engage European business leaders to promote investment opportunities in Kenya, with a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and value addition to increase exports and job creation.
In Norway, the President will hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and meet Crown Prince Haakon as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
He is also scheduled to attend the Kenya–Norway Business Forum, where investors from both countries will explore partnerships in renewable energy, electric mobility, blue economy projects, and climate-smart agriculture.
The final leg of the trip will be a State Visit to Finland at the invitation of President Alexander Stubb, following his earlier visit to Kenya in 2025.
The discussions are expected to strengthen cooperation in education, technology, digital innovation, clean energy, environmental sustainability, health, and peace and security, while also paving the way for new agreements.
During the visit, Ruto will attend a Kenya–Finland Business Forum bringing together investors focused on technology, manufacturing, innovation, and value addition.
He will also participate in the Kultaranta Talks, a global foreign and security policy forum that this year will focus partly on Africa, giving Kenya an opportunity to advance its positions on peace, development, and reforms in global governance.
