President William Ruto has welcomed discussions on the deployment of a European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission to Kenya ahead of the August 2027 General Election. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic governance, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law, saying Kenya was ready to engage the EU on election observation arrangements in accordance with the country’s legal framework.
Ruto made the remarks on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a meeting with heads of EU delegations to African countries at State House, Nairobi. He said credible democratic institutions were essential in maintaining peace and stability, adding that Kenya remained committed to protecting human rights and strengthening accountability. The Head of State noted that consultations on an EU election observation mission would be conducted within the country’s established laws and procedures.
Kenya Seeks Stronger Strategic Partnership with EU
Beyond election matters, Ruto used the meeting to call for deeper cooperation between Kenya and the European Union in trade, investment, security, technology and economic development. The discussions came as Kenya and the EU marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, with the President expressing his desire to transform the relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership that delivers practical economic benefits. Ruto said the success of the partnership should be measured through investments attracted, employment opportunities created and improvements in people’s livelihoods rather than diplomatic meetings and signed agreements.
On trade, the President highlighted the EU’s position as Kenya’s largest export destination, accounting for approximately 21 per cent of the country’s total exports. He pointed to agricultural products, including tea, coffee, horticultural produce and cut flowers, as some of Kenya’s major exports to the European market.
Ruto called for the full implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect in July 2024, saying Kenyan businesses and farmers should benefit more from access to European markets. However, he identified strict sanitary and phytosanitary standards, increasing transportation costs and limited cold-chain facilities as challenges affecting Kenyan exporters. He also urged the EU to accelerate negotiations towards a regional Economic Partnership Agreement with the East African Community.
Ruto Seeks More European Investment
The President further appealed for increased European investment in key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and healthcare. He said such investments should promote local industries, facilitate technology transfer and create employment opportunities for Kenyans. Ruto also identified the EU’s Global Gateway initiative as an important avenue for securing affordable development financing through concessional loans and blended financing arrangements.
Kenya and EU to Expand Digital Cooperation
On technology, Ruto said Kenya was working towards becoming a leading regional centre for digital innovation and technological development. He noted that Kenya had become the first African country to establish a structured Digital Dialogue with the European Union. The next session, scheduled for November 23 and 24, will explore opportunities to expand fibre-optic connectivity and potentially extend the Blue Raman Submarine Cable to Kenya. The President said Kenya wanted to move beyond consuming imported technology and instead develop homegrown innovations, digital solutions and intellectual property.
President Calls for Reforms in Global Financial Institutions
Ruto also called for changes to the international financial system, arguing that African countries continued to face high borrowing costs and growing debt pressures that limited their development prospects. He urged European countries to support fairer access to affordable financing, noting that Africa needed better financial terms to achieve industrialisation, climate resilience and sustainable economic growth. The President also renewed calls for reforms within the United Nations Security Council to address what he described as Africa’s historical under-representation in global decision-making.
Ruto Appeals for More EU Support in Somalia
On regional security, the Head of State called for continued European financial assistance to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, which he said faced significant financial and operational difficulties. He acknowledged the additional €75 million approved by the EU in April 2026 to support missions in Somalia, bringing the bloc’s cumulative contribution to nearly €2.8 billion since 2007.
Ruto also welcomed a €20 million commitment through the European Peace Facility aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces. He expressed optimism that the support would be delivered before the end of 2026.
Kenya Seeks Support to Exit FATF Grey List
The President further asked the European Union to continue providing technical assistance as Kenya works towards securing its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and the EU’s high-risk list. He disclosed that the country had addressed 13 of the 21 strategic deficiencies identified by FATF, with the remaining reforms focusing largely on strengthening measures against money laundering and terrorism financing. Ruto said the government was committed to completing the outstanding reforms to improve Kenya’s international financial standing.
He concluded by calling for a partnership with the European Union that prioritises tangible development outcomes, stronger institutions, infrastructure expansion and improved living standards. The President maintained that Kenya was ready to deepen its relationship with the EU based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and economic benefits for both sides.
