President William Ruto has called upon Kenyan diplomats to intensify efforts to advance the nation’s economic and strategic interests globally, highlighting enhanced economic stability and rising investor confidence as the foundation for more robust international engagement.
Addressing the opening of the 19th Ambassadors’ Conference in Nairobi on Saturday, the President stated that Kenya operates from a position of enhanced strength despite a volatile global landscape characterized by escalating geopolitical tensions and declining multilateral frameworks.
We gather at a time of profound transformation in the global order, an era defined by substantial and frequently unforeseen disruptions,” he stated.
Ruto informed ambassadors and envoys that Kenya must leverage its current economic advancements to establish a more prominent position on the global scene and secure partnerships yielding concrete benefits for the populace.
He emphasized that the nation’s recent economic achievements result from deliberate policy decisions implemented during the past three years.
By any credible metric – whether economic stability, fiscal discipline, or institutional resilience – the trajectory is unmistakable. Kenya is not merely stable but is advancing,” he declared.
The President observed that Kenya had successfully averted an anticipated debt default that impacted numerous African nations, crediting this achievement to reforms encompassing expenditure controls and the elimination of what he termed unsustainable subsidies.
He further reported that the national economy has maintained steady expansion, with gross domestic product valued at approximately $136 billion and yearly growth reaching approximately five percent.
He mentioned that inflation has decreased to an average of 4.3 percent from 9.6 percent three years prior, while the shilling has stabilized against the dollar. He also referenced Kenya’s sovereign credit rating upgrade by Standard & Poor’s as evidence of heightened confidence from international markets.
Regarding investment, Ruto disclosed that foreign direct investment inflows increased by 15 percent in 2025, surpassing $2 billion for the first time.
He noted that the recent Kenya International Investment Conference secured pledges amounting to $2.9 billion across multiple sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and technology.
These investments are anticipated to create more than 63,000 employment opportunities for our citizens and to enhance living conditions across our counties,” he stated.
The President mentioned that over 300 multinational corporations presently operate in Kenya, describing this as proof that investors support the nation’s economic trajectory.
He also emphasized advancements in critical domestic initiatives, encompassing health, housing, education, and employment. Ruto stated that more than 30 million Kenyans have enrolled with the Social Health Authority as part of endeavors to establish universal health coverage.
Concerning housing, he reported that over 240,000 units are currently under development, generating employment for approximately 640,000 individuals. In education, the administration has recruited 100,000 teachers and constructed more than 23,000 classrooms, alongside reforms in university financing and the shift to a competency-based curriculum.
Ruto additionally indicated that focused programs have generated employment for more than 1.8 million Kenyans, including through overseas employment schemes. He observed that over 540,000 Kenyans have obtained positions abroad, contributing to diaspora remittances that surpassed $5 billion in 2025.
Looking forward, the President outlined strategies to expand infrastructure, energy, and water investments to sustain long-term growth. He stated that the government intends to construct thousands of kilometers of roads, elevate energy capacity to no less than 10,000 megawatts, and build dams to enhance water security and agricultural output.
These investments will necessitate substantial and ongoing funding of at least KSh5 trillion,” he declared, noting that a National Infrastructure Fund has been created to mobilize resources.
Regarding foreign policy, Ruto affirmed that Kenya will pursue what he characterized as a principled and pragmatic approach, while maintaining dedication to multilateralism and advocating reforms to global institutions.
He also revealed that Kenya will host two significant international gatherings later in the year, specifically the Africa-France Summit in May and the Our Ocean Conference in June.
I expect you, as our ambassadors, to proactively facilitate involvement, amplify Kenya’s perspective, and assist in generating momentum for these two historic events,” he stated.
Ruto stated that Kenya will persist in contributing to regional and global peace initiatives, including current engagements in Haiti and various African regions, while reinforcing regional integration and commerce throughout the continent.