Kenya, Slovenia to strengthen ties in trade and technology
Ruto said that education and youth skills were also part of the talks, with Kenya keen to learn from Slovenia’s model in science and vocational training.
President William Ruto has said Kenya and Slovenia are entering a new era of cooperation focused on trade, innovation, and climate action, following talks with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar in Nairobi.
Ruto described the visit by President Musar as historic, marking the first-ever State Visit to Kenya by a Slovenian Head of State.
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Speaking at State House on Saturday, the President said the two countries had agreed to work more closely across key sectors to create new opportunities for their people.
“This visit marks a new and promising chapter in our growing relationship. It symbolises our commitment to building stronger ties between our nations,” Ruto said.
He further highlighted that the two Heads of State had held productive discussions and identified agriculture, education, health, energy, environment, digital transformation, and trade as key areas of cooperation.
Ruto said the launch of the Kenya–Slovenia Business Forum would help unlock trade and investment opportunities in clean energy, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.
He said both countries would work to take full advantage of the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement, with support from Slovenia in creating awareness among businesses.
“We want to strengthen business linkages and expand trade. There is huge potential in this partnership,” the President added.
Going further, Ruto also welcomed Slovenia’s global leadership in digital governance and beekeeping, saying both areas offer useful lessons for Kenya. He said they had agreed to scale up a joint beekeeping project in Mandera and to explore the use of smart farming technologies.
“Slovenia is a leader in digital services and sustainable apiculture. We are keen to learn and work together,” he said.
On digital transformation, Ruto said Slovenia’s progress in data protection, e-government, and Artificial Intelligence aligns with Kenya’s goal to become Africa’s digital hub.
“We look forward to working together on AI, cybersecurity, and digital identity systems,” he said.
Ruto said Slovenia’s experience in public health could help Kenya improve access to affordable healthcare. He announced plans to support joint training and exchange programmes between health institutions in both countries.
He also praised Slovenia’s 58 per cent forest cover, saying it offers inspiration for Kenya’s plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
“We agreed to work together on projects in sustainable forestry, eco-tourism, and renewable energy,” Ruto said.
On energy, the Kenyan leader said both countries had shared goals in the green transition and would explore partnerships in solar, geothermal, and smart grid technologies.
He added that education and youth skills were also part of the talks, with Kenya keen to learn from Slovenia’s model in science and vocational training.
“Slovenia’s dual training model can help us equip our youth with skills for the job market,” he said.
Ruto said they had also discussed gender equality, praising Slovenia’s high representation of women in leadership and expressing Kenya’s interest in partnerships on leadership training and women’s inclusion in digital and business spaces.
He said both countries had reaffirmed their shared interest in global peace and committed to continued cooperation on regional and global security. He welcomed Slovenia’s current role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
On UN reform, Ruto said they agreed that the system must reflect today’s realities and that Africa must have permanent representation on the Security Council.
“We also agreed on the need for an inclusive global financial system that supports sustainable development,” he said, pointing to Slovenia’s support for the upcoming International Conference on Financing for Development in Nairobi next year.
To support these efforts, Ruto said the two countries had signed a memorandum to guide regular political consultations and diplomatic dialogue.
Ruto thanked President Musar for accepting the invitation to attend Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay.
“Your presence underscores your commitment to our friendship,” he said.
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