President William Ruto has left the country for a series of official and state visits to Belgium, Norway and Finland aimed at strengthening trade relations, attracting foreign investment and expanding market access for Kenyan products.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the visit is anchored on Kenya’s strategy to deepen economic diplomacy and boost export-led growth across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and technology.
“President William Ruto departs this afternoon 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,” Hussein said in a statement.
During the official visit to Belgium, the President is expected to hold talks with His Majesty King Philippe and Flanders Minister-President Matthias Diependaele on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing trade and investment cooperation.
He will also engage European Union leadership, including European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, on the implementation of the Kenya–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The agreement grants Kenyan exports duty-free and quota-free access to the European market, a framework Nairobi hopes will significantly increase earnings for farmers and exporters in tea, coffee, cut flowers, horticulture and value-added goods.
Hussein said the engagements will focus on unlocking greater opportunities for Kenyan producers and expanding access to European markets.
“The discussions will focus on the
implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement,
which provides duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan exports to the
European market,” he said.
In Norway, President Ruto will hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and also meet Crown Prince Haakon. He will later participate in the Kenya–Norway Business Forum, which will bring together investors exploring opportunities in renewable energy, electric mobility, blue economy and climate-smart agriculture.
“The forum will provide a platform for Kenyan and Norwegian investors to explore partnerships in renewable energy, electric mobility, the blue economy, climate-smart agriculture and other sectors that can create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth,” Hussein said.
The President will conclude the tour with a State Visit to Finland at the invitation of President Alexander Stubb, following a reciprocal visit by the Finnish leader to Kenya in May 2025.
The visit is expected to deepen cooperation in
education, technology, digitisation, clean energy, environmental
sustainability, health, and peace and security, while paving the way for new
agreements to strengthen bilateral relations.
Ruto will also attend the Kultaranta Talks, a leading international foreign and security policy forum, where Africa is a key focus of this year’s discussions.
According to State House, Kenya is expected to use the platform to advance its priorities on peace, security, sustainable development and reforms to the international system.
He will also participate in the Kenya–Finland Business Forum, bringing together investors in technology, manufacturing, innovation and clean energy.
“The engagements will help attract investment, create jobs and expand economic cooperation between Kenya and our partners in Europe,” Hussein added.
