President Ruto Embarks on Official Visits to Spain and UK

President William Ruto has begun official visits to Spain and the UK to secure investment deals worth up to £1.5 billion and advocate for global financial reforms and climate resilience.

President William Ruto has departed Nairobi for official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom, where he is expected to secure major investment deals and advocate for the reform of the global financial system. The visit is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment, strengthen international partnerships, and promote sustainable development.

President Ruto's itinerary begins in Seville, Spain, where he will attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The high-level summit brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the evolving challenges of global finance, including deepening economic inequality, climate change, and geopolitical instability.

During the conference, President Ruto will co-chair a session and hold bilateral talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI. The discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in key areas such as clean energy, youth empowerment, and climate resilience—issues that remain central to Kenya’s development agenda.

Following his engagements in Spain, President Ruto will travel to London for a series of strategic meetings and events. Chief among them is the signing of the renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030 alongside British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The renewed partnership is structured around four pillars: trade, climate, technology, and security, with the overarching goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

As part of the partnership, the United Kingdom has committed to mobilising up to £1.5 billion (approximately KSh306 billion) in new investments across Kenya by 2030. These funds will target key sectors including manufacturing, green energy, infrastructure, and digital innovation.

One of the flagship initiatives under discussion is the Nairobi Railway City project—a transformative infrastructure development aimed at revitalising the capital’s Central Business District into a modern, transit-oriented urban hub.

In a major boost for Kenya’s financial services sector, President Ruto is also expected to witness the announcement by Lloyd’s of London regarding the establishment of a regional underwriting hub in Nairobi. The move, under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) framework, aims to position Kenya as a gateway for financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Additionally, the President will deliver the keynote address at the Africa Debate, a prestigious platform hosted by Invest Africa. Here, he will highlight Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, showcase ongoing reforms, and invite global investors to support Kenya’s ambitious development goals.

According to a statement from State House, President Ruto will use his engagements in both Spain and the UK to advocate for multilateral solutions to global challenges, particularly those affecting developing countries. These include the growing debt burden, financing gaps in health and infrastructure, and the urgent need for climate adaptation funding.

“The President’s engagements reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to reshaping international financial frameworks and securing new economic opportunities that will benefit millions of Kenyans,” the statement read.

President Ruto’s tour is seen as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s diplomatic and economic strategy, aligning the country more closely with global partners committed to sustainable development, financial inclusion, and equitable growth.