Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, November 12, during a meeting with heads of EU delegations to African countries, Ruto said Kenya was open to engaging the bloc on election observation arrangements in accordance with the country’s laws and procedures.
“Peace and stability must be reinforced by strong democratic institutions. Kenya remains committed to the rule of law, accountability, and human rights,” Ruto said.
“As we prepare for the August 2027 General Election, we welcome consultations on an EU Election Observation Mission, consistent with our laws and procedures.”
The President’s remarks formed part of a broader appeal for stronger cooperation between Kenya and the EU on trade, investment, security, democratic governance and economic development as the two partners mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Ruto said Kenya was seeking to elevate its relationship with the EU into a comprehensive strategic partnership, with greater emphasis on measurable economic benefits rather than diplomatic commitments alone.
“Ultimately, our partnership must be measured not by the meetings we hold or agreements we sign, but by the opportunities we create, investments we mobilise and improvements we make in the lives of our people,” he said.
On trade, the President noted that the EU remains Kenya’s largest export market, accounting for 21 per cent of the country’s global exports, particularly agricultural products such as tea, coffee, horticultural produce and cut flowers.
He called for the effective implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force in July 2024, saying improved market access must translate into tangible benefits for Kenyan producers and exporters.
Ruto identified stringent sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, rising freight costs and inadequate cold-chain infrastructure as some of the challenges limiting Kenya’s ability to fully exploit the European market.
He also called for accelerated negotiations towards a regional East African Community-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
The Head of State further sought increased European investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, energy and healthcare, saying such investments should support local production, technology transfer and job creation.
He singled out the EU’s Global Gateway initiative as a potential source of affordable development financing, particularly through concessional and blended financing arrangements.
On digital transformation, Ruto said Kenya was positioning itself as a regional technology and innovation hub, noting that it had become the first African country to establish a structured Digital Dialogue with the EU.
The dialogue, whose next session is scheduled for November 23 and 24, will explore expanded fibre-optic connectivity and the possible extension of the Blue Raman Submarine Cable to Kenya.
“Our ambition is to position Kenya not merely as a consumer of technology, but as a producer of innovation, solutions, and intellectual property,” he said.
The President also renewed calls for reforms to the international financial system, arguing that African countries continue to face disproportionately high borrowing costs and unsustainable debt burdens that undermine development.
He urged the EU to support fairer access to affordable development financing, saying Africa could not effectively pursue industrialisation, climate resilience and sustainable development under the prevailing financial constraints.
Ruto further called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council to address Africa’s historical under-representation.
On regional security, the President appealed for sustained and increased EU financial support for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, which he said was facing serious financial and operational challenges.
He acknowledged an additional €75 million approved by the EU in April 2026 for missions in Somalia, bringing the bloc’s total support to nearly €2.8 billion since 2007.
Ruto also welcomed a €20 million commitment through the European Peace Facility to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces, expressing hope that the support would be delivered before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the President sought continued EU technical assistance to help Kenya secure its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and the EU’s high-risk list.
He said Kenya had addressed 13 of the 21 strategic deficiencies identified by FATF and was working to complete the remaining reforms, particularly in strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
Ruto said the next phase of Kenya-EU relations should prioritise practical results, including infrastructure development, job creation, stronger institutions and improved livelihoods.
“We must move from dialogue to delivery, from commitments to investments, and from cooperation to measurable outcomes,” he said.
“Kenya stands ready to advance a partnership with the EU and its Member States founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and mutual benefit.”
