President Ruto heads to Europe for trade and bilateral talks

In the European countries, the Head of State aims to attract investment, expand market access for Kenyan products and strengthen partnerships that boost exports, create jobs and drive economic growth.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, in a statement on Sunday, said Ruto will also engage business leaders on opportunities in value addition, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics.

“During the Official Visit to Belgium, the President will hold talks with His Majesty King Philippe and Mr Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders, on strengthening bilateral relations, trade and investment,” said Hussein.

While in Belgium, the President is expected to hold consultations with the leadership of the European Union, including European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

“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,” said the State House spokesperson.

Ruto’s engagement is expected to unlock opportunities for Kenyan farmers and exporters, particularly in tea, coffee, cut flowers, horticulture and other value-added products.

In Norway, President Ruto will hold consultations with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and an audience with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon.

State House says Ruto is also expected to participate in the Kenya-Norway Business Forum, where Kenyan and Norwegian investors will 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.

His European tour will end in Finland, where he will engage in bilateral talks to deepen cooperation in education, technology and digitisation, clean energy, environmental sustainability, health, and peace and security while paving the way for new partnerships and agreements that further strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

The talks with Finland follow an invitation from President Alexander Stubb, who made a historic State Visit to Kenya in May 2025.

While in Finland, the Head of State will also participate in a Kenya-Finland Business Forum, which brings together investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in technology, clean energy, manufacturing, innovation and value addition.

Here, Ruto will participate in the Kultaranta Talks, a leading international foreign and security policy forum.