LONDON — President William Ruto on Tuesday outlined Kenya’s renewed push to attract global investment, emphasizing the country’s readiness to tap into shifting trade patterns and strengthen its position in the global economy.
Speaking at the Kenya Investment Forum held at The Law Society in London, Ruto said Kenya would approach the international market “with purpose, confidence, and resolve,” aiming to open up new economic opportunities and drive inclusive growth.
“We intend to position Kenya at the heart of the global realignment shaping trade, investment, and innovation,” Ruto stated. “This is how we will unlock our country’s prosperity.”
The forum, held alongside the annual Africa Debate, brought together key investors and policymakers to examine opportunities in Kenya’s economy. Discussions centered on critical sectors including clean energy, infrastructure, digital services, and agro-industrial value chains.
President William Ruto underscored Kenya’s resilience amid rising global economic pressures. “Despite supply chain disruptions, rising tariffs, and geopolitical friction, Kenya’s economy remains stable,” he said.
He pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business environment. “We are committed to digitization, legal changes, and administrative upgrades to improve investment processes,” Ruto told attendees.
A central focus of the President’s visit was infrastructure development. After the forum, Ruto toured London’s King’s Cross Railway Station one of the UK’s busiest transit hubs to study the system’s design and operations.
“We are drawing lessons from the UK’s success to deliver a modern railway that fits Kenya’s needs,” he said. “This system will transform transport in our cities and link people to resources, healthcare, education, and jobs.”
Later, during talks at 10 Downing Street with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ruto revealed that financing arrangements for the Nairobi Railway City Project were nearing completion. The modern urban transit project, set in the capital’s center, is expected to ease congestion and create a new commercial corridor.
Kenya’s investment campaign aligns with broader efforts to integrate more deeply into international trade and infrastructure networks. Ruto framed the initiative as both a long-term economic strategy and an immediate response to global changes that demand adaptability and innovation.
The President closed the day’s engagements by calling on international partners to view Kenya not just as a market, but as a gateway to regional opportunities across East Africa.
“We are open for business,” he said, “and ready to shape the next chapter of global trade from Nairobi.”
