President Ruto Opens Trading at LSE, Touts Kenya Reforms and Africa Investment Potential
LONDON — President William Ruto on Tuesday rang the ceremonial bell at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), marking the official start of trading and pushing a strong message on Africa’s investment potential through capital markets.
Ruto’s appearance at the LSE was part of a broader Africa-focused investment forum in the United Kingdom. In his address, he called for renewed financial partnerships between African economies and global investors, emphasizing capital markets as a driver of long-term growth.
“This forum reminds us of the critical role capital markets play as engines of sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity across the African continent,” Ruto said during the event.
He pointed to Kenya’s recent financial sector reforms, noting that policy changes had helped position the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) as Africa’s best-performing stock market in 2024 when measured in dollar returns.
Building on that momentum, Ruto announced the government would list several state-owned enterprises on the NSE, beginning with Kenya Pipeline Company in 2025. “This move will attract global investment, expand ownership, and restore market confidence in public enterprises,” he said.
The President also recognized the UK’s support through programs such as Mobilist and Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa. He described these efforts as key to promoting innovation, environmental sustainability, and financial inclusion on the continent.
“Africa is open for business, and the United Kingdom remains a strategic partner in delivering investment-driven growth,” Ruto said.
The event signals Kenya’s intent to deepen capital flows, open up public assets to international investors, and solidify its financial ties with the UK and other global partners.
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