President William Ruto bids farewell to outgoing Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens at State House, Nairobi, July 20, 2026. /PCS
President William Ruto has bid farewell to outgoing Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens, praising the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Belgium as the envoy concluded his tour of duty.
Ruto said the two countries enjoy robust bilateral relations anchored on trade and investment, renewable energy and climate action.
Speaking on Monday when he bid Maddens farewell at State House, Nairobi, Ruto added that the partnership had gained fresh momentum following his recent visit to Brussels.
"Kenya and Belgium share strong bilateral and diplomatic relations anchored on trade and investment, renewable energy and climate action," Ruto said.
"These ties have been boosted by my recent business roundtable in Brussels in June 2026."
The President noted that Belgium remains the leading destination for Kenyan coffee, with growing interest from Belgian firms seeking investment opportunities in Kenya's agricultural sector.
"On trade, Belgium is the leading destination for Kenyan coffee. Consequently, many businesses in that country have expressed interest in agri-business investment," he said.
President William Ruto in talks with outgoing Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens at State House, Nairobi, July 20, 2026. /PCS
Ruto thanked Maddens for his service and wished him success in his next diplomatic assignment.
Maddens, who officially assumed office in September 2021 after presenting his credentials to then President Uhuru Kenyatta, leaves behind a legacy of deepening Kenya-Belgium cooperation across trade, healthcare, environmental sustainability and investment.
A passionate advocate for climate action, he spearheaded efforts to transform the Belgian ambassador's residence in Nairobi into a net-zero carbon footprint facility powered by solar energy, making it a showcase for green diplomacy.
He also championed Belgian support for Kenya's Universal Health Coverage agenda through investments in healthcare infrastructure, health systems strengthening, local pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.
Belgium further backed the adoption of modern clinical waste management technologies in Kenyan health facilities to improve efficiency while promoting environmental sustainability.
President William Ruto with outgoing Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens at State House, Nairobi, July 20, 2026. /PCS
On the economic front, Maddens played a central role in strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
In September 2025, he signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Kenya, a landmark pact aimed at eliminating tax barriers, encouraging cross-border investment and expanding trade.
Beyond Kenya, Maddens also served as Belgium's ambassador to the Comoros, Eritrea, Madagascar, Seychelles and Somalia, while doubling as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Nairobi.
His departure marks the end of nearly five years of diplomatic engagement during which Kenya and Belgium strengthened cooperation in green energy, trade, healthcare and sustainable development.
