President William Ruto has underscored Kenya’s commitment to deepening trade relations with the European Union (EU) through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
He, on Monday, May 12, delivered a compelling statement at the Second Edition of the Kenya European Union Business Forum, highlighting the forum’s theme, “Digitising Trade,” as both timely and forward-looking.
In his speech, President Ruto emphasised Kenya’s openness and readiness for business, outlining the country’s proactive approach in securing multiple trade agreements:
President Ruto’s pro-trade policies
For instance, Kenya is a proud signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), granting access to a $3.7 trillion market of 1.4 billion people.
Through the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Kenya enjoys privileged access to a $19 trillion market of 450 million consumers.
Under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Kenya accesses the $27 trillion U.S. market of 330 million people.
Kenya’s agreement with the United Kingdom connects it to a $3.3 trillion market.
The newly signed Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement opens the $503 billion Gulf market.
Regionally, Kenya remains a key player in the East African Community (EAC), a $336 billion common market with 300 million people.
These agreements collectively position Kenya as a gateway to global markets, unlocking opportunities, attracting investments, and fostering shared prosperity.
Also in his speech, President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to pro-trade policies aimed at inclusive wealth creation and opportunity generation.
A major thrust of Kenya’s economic strategy is the acceleration of trade digitisation. As a result, President Ruto launched an ambitious last-mile fibre connectivity program targeting the installation of 100,000 km of fibre optic cables and 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2027, ensuring nationwide digital inclusion.
Also, the government has expanded the e-Citizen platform, with over 20,000 government services digitised to facilitate easier, faster, and cheaper business-government interactions.
Furthermore, the Kenya Kwanza government has established 284 digital hubs in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, with 400 more under construction, serving as centers for innovation and digital skills development.
To nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, Kenya has introduced tax reforms fostering a pro-business environment. Notably, the Finance Bill 2025 reduces tax on digital asset transfers from 3% to 1.5%, signaling strong support for startups, MSMEs, and investors.
