President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s strong commitment to building robust trade relations and fostering economic growth through progressive, pro-business policies. Speaking during the Kenya-European Union Business Forum in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government is focused on creating a resilient and inclusive economy that benefits all citizens.
“Our goal is to build a competitive, resilient economy that benefits every Kenyan while strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with allies like the EU,” said President Ruto. The forum, themed “Digitising Trade,” brought together key stakeholders from both Kenya and Europe to explore opportunities for collaboration in the digital economy and beyond.
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s progress in digital transformation, citing the expansion of the e-Citizen platform, which now hosts over 20,000 digitized government services. This development, he noted, has made it faster, cheaper, and more efficient for businesses to engage with government services. He also pointed to the rollout of digital hubs in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions as part of the government’s broader efforts to foster digital literacy and innovation.
“Through the expanded e-Citizen platform, over 20,000 government services have been digitised, making it easier, faster, and cheaper for businesses to engage with the government,” the President stated.
Looking ahead, Ruto said that the upcoming Finance Bill 2025 includes key reforms aimed at reducing taxes on digital asset transfers, a move designed to attract investment and support the growth of start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This signals our commitment to an innovation-driven economy that nurtures start-ups, MSMEs, and investors alike,” Ruto added.
He also called for a renewed focus on practical solutions to overcome existing trade barriers between Kenya and the EU, urging both sides to transition from goodwill to tangible outcomes that stimulate investment and job creation.
Ruto praised the EU as a vital partner in Kenya’s development, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, water, and urban development, reinforcing the importance of continued cooperation for shared prosperity.
