Ruto Departs for UK and Spain to Finalize Investment Deals and Push Global Finance reforms
President William Ruto has left Nairobi for official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom, aiming to secure long-term trade and investment partnerships and champion reforms in the global financial system.
Ruto’s first stop is Seville, Spain, where he will attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The summit brings together global leaders to address rising economic disparities, climate pressures, and the need for equitable financing for developing nations.
At the conference, President Ruto is scheduled to co-chair a high-level session and hold bilateral meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI. Talks will focus on clean energy, climate resilience, and youth-driven development.
After Spain, Ruto will head to London to sign the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030 alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The agreement, structured around four pillars trade, climate, technology, and security aims to double bilateral trade by the end of the decade.
One of the key projects under this deal is the Nairobi Railway City. The plan targets redevelopment of the Nairobi Central Business District into a modern, transit-linked urban hub. The UK has pledged to mobilize up to £1.5 billion (KSh306 billion) in new investments for Kenya by 2030. The funds will support manufacturing, green energy, and digital innovation.
During the London leg of the visit, President Ruto will also attend the Africa Debate hosted by Invest Africa. He is set to deliver the keynote address, outlining Kenya’s economic agenda and inviting global investors to support ongoing national reforms.
Another highlight of the trip includes Lloyd’s of London’s announcement to set up a regional underwriting hub in Nairobi. This will be done under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) framework, which aims to establish the city as a financial gateway for Sub-Saharan Africa.
A statement from State House emphasized the strategic value of the visit. “The President’s engagements in Spain and the UK reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to reshaping global financing frameworks and securing new economic opportunities that will benefit millions of Kenyans,” the statement read.
President Ruto will also advocate for global cooperation in addressing rising debt levels and climate-related economic shocks, with a focus on ensuring that developing countries receive fair and sustainable financing.
His trip underscores a broader diplomatic and economic push to position Kenya as a regional leader in innovation, sustainability, and international trade.
