President William Ruto has left for a three-nation European tour covering Belgium, Norway and Finland, in a diplomatic mission aimed at attracting investment, expanding export markets for Kenyan goods and strengthening economic cooperation with European countries.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, MBS, the visit seeks to deepen trade relations and unlock new opportunities for Kenyan producers and exporters, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, clean technology and value addition.
“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,” said State House.
In Belgium, the President is expected to hold talks with His Majesty King Philippe and the Minister-President of Flanders, Matthias Diependaele, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, trade and investment. He will also meet European Union leaders, 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 State House, adding that the engagement is expected to expand opportunities for Kenyan farmers and exporters, particularly in tea, coffee, cut flowers, horticulture and value-added products.
In Norway, President Ruto will hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and attend the Kenya–Norway Business Forum, which will bring together investors from both countries to explore partnerships in renewable energy, electric mobility, the blue economy and climate-smart agriculture.
The tour will conclude with a State Visit to Finland at the invitation of President Alexander Stubb, following his earlier visit to Kenya in May 2025. In Finland, the President will participate in a Kenya–Finland Business Forum bringing together investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in technology, clean energy, manufacturing, innovation and value addition.
He will also attend the Kultaranta Talks, a leading international foreign and security policy forum. State House noted that Africa’s inclusion as a key focus of this year’s discussions offers Kenya an opportunity to advance priorities on peace, security, sustainable development and reforms to the international system.
The visit comes days after President Ruto returned from South Africa following a two-day State Visit where he held talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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