President William Ruto has secured more than KSh20.9 billion (€139 million) in digital infrastructure and connectivity investments during his visit to Brussels, Belgium, as Kenya seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology and innovation hub.
The investments were announced during a series of engagements with European Union leaders, business executives and policymakers aimed at deepening trade, investment and digital cooperation between Kenya and the EU.
In a statement on Monday, June 8, President Ruto welcomed €102 million (approximately KSh15.3 billion) in new funding under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, saying the investment will accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The President also welcomed an additional €37 million (approximately KSh5.6 billion) in EU support for the Africa extension of the Blue Raman submarine cable project.
“We also welcome €37 million in EU support for the Blue Raman submarine cable’s Africa extension connecting Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, which will strengthen connectivity, lower bandwidth costs and reinforce Kenya’s position as a leading regional digital hub,” he added.
Ruto said he held talks with European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen focused on expanding cooperation in trade, innovation and the digital economy.
The discussions also advanced the EU-Kenya Digital Dialogue and the Data Adequacy process, a move that could make Kenya the first African country to receive an EU data adequacy decision. The status would ease cross-border data flows, attract technology investments and enhance digital trade opportunities.
The President also met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, where they discussed strengthening relations between Kenya and the European Union through trade, investment and technology partnerships.
“We welcomed progress under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, particularly on the Digital Dialogue and Data Adequacy process, which will strengthen digital trade, attract investment and enhance Kenya’s position as a leading digital hub,” Ruto said.
He further called for support towards concluding and implementing the Cross-Border Trade in Services framework to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both regions.
Beyond digital cooperation, Ruto used the visit to champion stronger economic ties between Kenya and European countries. During the Kenya-Belgium Business Forum in Brussels, he highlighted investment opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, technology, clean energy and manufacturing.
The President also officiated the launch of the Kenya-Benelux Chamber of Commerce, which he described as a permanent platform linking Kenyan businesses with investors and markets in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
“I also officiated the launch of the Kenya-Benelux Chamber of Commerce, a permanent bridge connecting Kenyan enterprise with the investors, innovators and markets of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg,” he said.
Ruto later held talks with King Philippe of Belgium, where they discussed expanding trade and investment ties and improving regional transport connectivity.
“I thanked Belgium for being the leading destination for Kenyan coffee exports and highlighted the growing opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries,” he said.
The President noted that discussions also focused on extending the Northern Corridor road and rail network to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen transport links from the Port of Mombasa into Central Africa.
“We discussed opportunities to enhance regional connectivity through the extension of the Northern Corridor road and rail network to Kinshasa, strengthening transport links between the Port of Mombasa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Ruto added.
The Brussels engagements form part of President Ruto’s wider European tour, which includes official visits to Belgium and Norway and a state visit to Finland. The trip is focused on attracting investment, expanding export markets for Kenyan products and strengthening partnerships aimed at creating jobs and driving economic growth.
