By Regan Oluoch
President William Ruto has sought to position Kenya as a leading destination for trade and investment during his visit to Europe, while also pushing for stronger access for Kenyan products in the European Union market.
Addressing business leaders in Belgium, Ruto said Kenya is positioning itself as a regional hub for agriculture, technology and logistics, with the government keen on attracting new investors and expanding export opportunities.
He noted that Kenya serves as a gateway to a market of more than 1.4 billion people under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), valued at about $3.4 trillion.
The President added that when combined with the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), as well as the European Union and United Kingdom, Kenya offers preferential access to markets worth more than $70 trillion.
The push comes as Kenya seeks to increase earnings from key exports such as tea, coffee, flowers, avocados and macadamia nuts.
While the country has established itself as a major supplier of agricultural products to Europe, Ruto said the focus should now shift towards value addition and processing to maximise returns.
A key proposal during the visit was the creation of a direct link between the Kenya Ports Authority and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the New Fruit Wharf in Belgium, aimed at modernising cargo handling facilities and strengthening cold storage systems.
Improved logistics, he said, would help local exporters compete more effectively in international markets, reduce wastage and shorten delivery times for fresh produce bound for European consumers.
Beyond agriculture, digital investment emerged as a major focus of the discussions.
Kenya welcomed fresh European Union support worth more than Sh15 billion under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership programme, aimed at expanding connectivity, supporting innovation and accelerating digital transformation.
“We welcome the new investment totaling €102 million (Sh15.3 billion) under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, which will accelerate digital transformation, expand connectivity and create opportunities for our youth and businesses,” Ruto said.
He also highlighted ongoing support for the Blue Raman submarine cable project, describing it as a key investment that will improve internet access across East Africa while reducing connectivity costs for businesses and consumers.
“We also welcome $46 million in EU support for the Blue Raman submarine cable’s African extension, which will connect Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. This will strengthen connectivity, lower bandwidth costs and reinforce Kenya’s position as a leading regional digital hub,” he added.
During the visit, Ruto also witnessed the launch of the Kenya-Benelux Chamber of Commerce, which will connect Kenyan businesses with investors, innovators and markets in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
He said the initiative would deepen trade and investment links between Kenya and Europe.
Ruto’s engagements in Belgium form part of a wider tour that includes Norway and Finland.
The trip is aimed at securing new investment commitments and deepening economic partnerships at a time when Kenya is seeking new markets and capital to support growth.
