President William Ruto and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met in Évian-les-Bains, France, on the sidelines of G7 France engagements, where they agreed to deepen Kenya–European Union cooperation in trade, digital transformation and infrastructure investment.
The talks reaffirmed the strengthening partnership between Kenya and the European Union, anchored on shared goals of inclusive, green and sustainable economic growth.
President Ruto said Kenya and the EU are aligned in building a partnership that goes beyond traditional aid, focusing instead on investment, value addition and job creation.
“We agreed to deepen our partnership in three strategic areas: expanding trade through our landmark Economic Partnership Agreement to open markets, attract investment and create jobs; advancing data adequacy to position Kenya as a trusted digital partner for seamless and secure data flows; and leveraging the Global Gateway initiative to channel investment into the infrastructure, energy and connectivity that will power Kenya’s transformation,” Ruto said.
He said the relationship is increasingly defined by mutual benefit and shared ambition.
“This is a partnership of equals, measured not by aid, but by what we build, invest and achieve together. Make it in Kenya. Make it clean. Sell it to Africa, Europe and the world,” the President said.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen described Kenya as a reliable and strategic partner for Europe in Africa, noting that trade between the two sides has already increased since the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement two years ago.
“Europe sees Kenya as a leader in addressing global challenges and, above all, as a reliable partner,” she said.
“Our trade has already significantly increased. Now we want to go further—boost investment with Global Gateway to create jobs and support Kenya’s rise up the value chain, while supporting better connectivity and the clean and digital transition,” she said.
The meeting
underscored growing Kenya–EU cooperation aimed at expanding trade flows,
attracting sustainable investment and accelerating digital and green
transformation across key sectors.
