Ruto Backs Stronger Kenya–Ukraine Ties in Key Talks with Prime Minister Shmyhal
SEVILLE – President William Ruto has announced Kenya’s renewed commitment to deepen cooperation with Ukraine in areas including trade, education, and food security.
Ruto met Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Seville, Spain. During the meeting, Ruto emphasized the importance of expanding access to higher education for Kenyan students through Ukrainian institutions and enhancing agricultural supply chains.
“Kenya is open to advancing collaboration with Ukraine in key sectors that impact livelihoods. Education and food distribution are top of that list,” Ruto said during the bilateral talks.
He noted that Kenya’s strategic location in East Africa positions it as a suitable hub for distributing Ukrainian agricultural products across the region. This potential partnership, he said, could improve food supply logistics and ease regional shortages.
The leaders also addressed broader issues beyond economic cooperation. According to President Ruto, the discussion covered peacekeeping, diplomatic engagement, and regional stability through multilateral platforms.
“We agreed on a range of engagements, including support for climate financing, promotion of green investments, and the convening of an investor conference in Nairobi later in the year,” Ruto said.
Ruto further highlighted Kenya’s interest in expanding cooperation in information and communication technology, describing it as an essential part of economic advancement and skills development.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of diplomacy and peaceful engagement in addressing global challenges. The meeting comes at a time when Ukraine continues to seek partnerships in Africa to counter the impact of ongoing conflict with Russia and boost international support.
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development drew leaders and policymakers from across the world to explore sustainable solutions for economic resilience and inclusive growth.
The Nairobi investor conference, agreed upon in the talks, is expected to attract financial commitments for joint projects between Kenya and Ukraine, especially in infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and education exchange programs.
President Ruto’s meeting with Prime Minister Shmyhal marks a continued effort by Kenya to broaden its foreign relations and seek targeted economic opportunities on the global stage.
