The European Union and Kenya are reinforcing their strategic partnership across key areas, including trade, digital transformation, and sustainable investment, to promote mutual economic growth that benefits businesses and citizens in both regions. This deepened cooperation underscores Kenya’s significant role as a vital partner for the EU in Africa and within multilateral frameworks.
The EU and Kenya share a robust and enduring partnership, with the EU serving as Kenya’s largest export market. Furthermore, the EU is a major contributor to regional security, investment, and development cooperation.
The agreement was announced on 8 June in Brussels during a meeting where Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, welcomed William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya.
As part of the cooperation under the Global Gateway initiative, the EU and Kenya are poised to invest in clean transport and trade facilitation along the critical Northern Corridor in East Africa. Additionally, plans are underway to implement high-speed connectivity for over 3,000 public offices, schools, health centres, and digital hubs across Kenya.
Progress has been made in advancing cooperation through the EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue in key priority areas. The partners have also welcomed advancements in the EU-Kenya data adequacy process, which aims to facilitate secure data flows between them, thereby supporting digital trade and innovation. The EU has acknowledged the positive developments to date and is committed to concluding this process at the earliest opportunity.
“Kenya is a dynamic and strategic partner for the EU. Today, we agreed to take our cooperation further, creating jobs, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable growth. Our focus is on delivering concrete results for both EU and Kenyan businesses and citizens,” noted Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
Unlocking new horizons: Exploring trade and business opportunities
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, highlighting the need to resolve outstanding trade issues to mutual benefit.
The EU also proposed enhanced cooperation on digital policy, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, digital identity, and secure connectivity. Executive Vice-President Virkkunen announced several investments under the Global Gateway strategy:
€17 million to modernise the Northern Corridor, improving trade and transport routes in East Africa. €15 million for expanding Kenya’s national fibre-optic network to boost connectivity in underserved areas. €12 million for digitising land registration, helping households and businesses prove ownership. €10 million to support the Digital Transformation Centre, fostering innovation and job creation through digital transformation. €16 million for integrating refugee camps into communities, acknowledging Kenya’s role in hosting refugees in a fragile region.
“With Kenya, we are investing in new opportunities for local communities as well as for European companies. The strategic Northern Corridor will increase trade and improve the region’s connection to global markets. High-speed connectivity will open up new access to education and help improve basic local services. That is what Global Gateway is about: strategic partnerships delivering concrete benefits for our partners and for Europe alike,” said Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships.
