European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the European Union will increase its investments in Kenya through the Global Gateway initiative following talks with President William Ruto.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, von der Leyen said the EU intends to deepen its economic partnership with Kenya by supporting projects that create jobs, improve connectivity and accelerate the country’s clean energy and digital transition.
She also described Kenya as a reliable partner and a regional leader in tackling global challenges, adding that trade between Kenya and the European Union has grown significantly since the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Ruto secures new EU investment commitment at G7 Summit. Photo: Courtesy.
On his part, President Ruto termed the discussions productive, saying the two leaders had agreed to strengthen cooperation in three strategic areas aimed at accelerating Kenya’s economic transformation.
According to Ruto, the partnership will focus on expanding trade under the Economic Partnership Agreement to unlock new markets, attract more investments and create employment opportunities.
The two sides also agreed to advance data adequacy measures to position Kenya as a trusted digital partner for secure cross-border data flows.
The Head of State further revealed that the EU, through the Global Gateway initiative, will channel more investments into Kenya’s infrastructure, energy and connectivity sectors to support long-term economic growth and industrial development.
Ruto added that the renewed cooperation reflects a partnership built on shared interests and mutual investment rather than traditional donor-recipient relations, noting that both Kenya and the EU are focused on delivering tangible economic outcomes.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, where President Ruto is expected to address G7 leaders on proposals for a new global economic framework that promotes fairer partnerships between African countries and the rest of the world.
