President William Ruto is traveling to Europe with the objective of enhancing opportunities for Kenyan exports, employment opportunities, and foreign investment in three European nations.
Statehouse Spokesman Hussein Mohammed made this announcement on June 7, revealing that President Ruto would leave the country that same day for official visits to Belgium and Norway, and a State Visit to Finland.
“President William Ruto departs today for Official Visits to Belgium and Norway, and a State Visit to Finland focused on attracting investment, expanding market access for Kenyan products and reinforcing partnerships that enhance exports, generate employment and promote economic expansion,” Hussein stated.
The primary objective of this tour is to increase the presence of Kenyan products in European markets while encouraging substantial investment in Kenya.
During his time in Belgium, Ruto will engage in discussions with King Philippe and Flanders Minister-President Matthias Diependaele regarding trade, investment, and bilateral relations.
Additionally, he will meet with European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to expedite the implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed explained that the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement provides Kenyan exports with tariff-free and quota-free entry into European markets, with tea, coffee, cut flowers, and horticulture products being the main beneficiaries.
Norway is the next destination on his itinerary, where Ruto will meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Crown Prince Haakon to discuss topics including renewable energy and the blue economy.
In Norway, President Ruto will participate in the Norway Business Forum, which will gather investors from both nations to explore opportunities in electric mobility, climate-resilient agriculture, and clean energy technologies.
President Alexander Stubb will host President Ruto for a comprehensive State Visit, continuing from President Stubb’s own visit to Nairobi in May 2025.
According to Hussein, the two leaders are anticipated to sign new agreements covering education, technology, health, clean energy, and peace and security cooperation.
Both heads of state will attend the Kenya-Finland Business Forum, which emphasizes technology, manufacturing, innovation, and value addition as key areas for investment.
President Ruto will also address the Kultaranta Talks, a prestigious forum on foreign and security policy where Africa is a central theme this year.
This follows President Ruto’s recent meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where the two countries established six new bilateral agreements aimed at increasing trade, correcting trade disparities, and advancing African unity.