President William Ruto has called for stronger security cooperation between Kenya and the European Union, with emphasis on maritime security, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism as threats increase across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at State House during a meeting with European Union officials, Ruto said Kenya was committed to strengthening preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding, urging the bloc to deepen its engagement in addressing regional security challenges.
He said the partnership should be guided by mutual respect, equitable cooperation and practical outcomes that improve the lives of citizens.
The President also called for closer collaboration in tackling terrorism financing, money laundering and emerging security threats, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability.
Beyond security, Ruto identified trade as a key pillar of Kenya-EU relations, describing the bloc as Kenya’s largest export market, accounting for 21 per cent of the country’s global exports.
Kenya’s major exports to the European market include coffee, tea and flowers. Ruto called for expanded trade opportunities, development cooperation and support for digital transformation.
He also advocated stronger economic engagement between the European Union and the East African Community to deepen regional integration and trade.
On financial integrity reforms, Ruto disclosed that Kenya had addressed 13 of the 21 strategic deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
He said the government was seeking closer cooperation with the EU to resolve the outstanding issues and support Kenya’s removal from the bloc’s high-risk list.
The President further welcomed the EU Election Observation Mission ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, saying the country remained committed to the rule of law and accountability in its electoral processes.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also called for stronger relations with the European Union, noting that changing global dynamics had made international partnerships increasingly important.
Mudavadi said Kenya and the EU should build on their longstanding relationship by expanding cooperation in trade, development and security.
The meeting brought together EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Kenya Andreas Peschke and Francesca Di Mauro, Deputy Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service.
More than 40 EU ambassadors serving across Africa are in Nairobi for the Regional Seminar of Heads of European Union Delegations to African countries.
The gathering coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the European Union, established in 1976 following the opening of the European Community Delegation in Nairobi.
