Kenya’s foreign policy has increasingly shifted from ceremonial diplomacy to results-driven partnerships that deliver tangible economic benefits.
President William Ruto’s recent engagement with Italian Ambassador to Kenya Vincenzo Del Monaco at State House, Nairobi, reflects this evolving approach — one that prioritises trade, skills development and long-term prosperity.
Kenya and Italy have enjoyed cordial relations for decades, anchored in mutual respect and shared interests.
What stands out in President Ruto’s remarks, however, is a deliberate emphasis on deepening cooperation in sectors that directly touch the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Rather than broad declarations, the focus is on practical value chains and institutional capacity building.
The coffee and leather sectors offer a clear example of where strategic partnerships can unlock growth. Kenya produces high-quality coffee that is globally respected, yet farmers continue to earn a fraction of its final market value.
Italy, on the other hand, is a global leader in coffee processing, branding and marketing. Stronger collaboration in this value chain presents an opportunity for Kenya to move beyond raw exports into value addition, higher earnings and job creation.
Similarly, the leather industry remains largely underdeveloped despite Kenya’s sizeable livestock population. Italy’s globally competitive leather and fashion industry provides a model Kenya can learn from — from processing standards to design and export marketing.
Targeted cooperation could help transform the sector into a reliable source of industrial jobs and export revenue.
President Ruto’s focus on technical training colleges underscores a broader truth: economic partnerships only succeed when they are matched with skilled human capital. Youth unemployment remains one of Kenya’s most pressing challenges.
Collaborating with Italy to strengthen technical and vocational education could help bridge the gap between education and industry, equipping young people with practical skills that align with market needs.
Equally significant is the renewed call to fast-track pending bilateral programmes, including the long-delayed Itare Dam project. Infrastructure projects of this nature are not just about water supply; they are about food security, public health and regional stability.
Delays erode public trust and stall development outcomes. Fast-tracking such projects would signal a shift from commitments on paper to action on the ground.
President Ruto’s statement points to a broader philosophy: diplomacy must translate into development.
As Kenya navigates economic pressures and a youthful population seeking opportunity, partnerships like the one with Italy will be judged not by the warmth of diplomatic language, but by the quality of jobs created, skills transferred and services delivered.
The challenge now lies in execution. If followed through with consistency and accountability, the Kenya–Italy partnership could serve as a model for how international cooperation can be harnessed to drive inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
