Kenya has reaffirmed the importance of its long-standing partnership with the European Union, describing the relationship as a key driver of trade, economic development, innovation, and regional cooperation. The remarks were made by President William Ruto during a farewell meeting for the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, at State House in Nairobi, where both sides reflected on the progress achieved during the ambassador’s tenure.
President Ruto noted that the European Union remains Kenya’s largest single export destination and one of its most significant bilateral partners. He emphasized that cooperation between the two partners has expanded over several decades and received renewed momentum following the signing of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in July 2024. According to the President, the agreement has strengthened commercial ties by improving market access for Kenyan products while supporting broader economic collaboration between the two economies.
The Head of State explained that the agreement enables a wide range of Kenyan exports—including cut flowers, tea, coffee, and other horticultural products—to enter the European market without customs duties or quota restrictions. At the same time, Kenya continues to import machinery, chemical products, and mineral-related goods from European Union member states, reinforcing two-way trade and industrial cooperation.
President Ruto stated that commercial exchanges between Kenya and the European Union have recorded significant growth since the agreement came into effect, with annual trade increasing by approximately 20 percent to an estimated US$3.8 billion (about KSh494 billion). He added that the partnership extends beyond trade to include collaboration in digital transformation, climate resilience, and efforts aimed at promoting peace and regional security.
Speaking about the relationship, President Ruto said, “The European Union is Kenya’s largest single export destination and a strategic bilateral partner. Our decades-long relations have been strengthened by the signing of the European Partnership Agreement, and our cooperation now spans trade, digital innovation, climate resilience, and regional security.”
The President also expressed appreciation to Ambassador Henriette Geiger for her diplomatic service in Kenya, recognizing her contribution to advancing cooperation between Kenya and the European Union. He remarked, “During the time Ambassador Henriette Geiger represented the European Union in our country, our ties have significantly strengthened,” while wishing her success in her future assignments.
The meeting underscored the continued commitment of both Kenya and the European Union to deepen their strategic partnership through expanded trade, investment, sustainable development, and cooperation on shared regional and global priorities. Officials from both sides have consistently emphasized that maintaining strong diplomatic engagement and mutually beneficial economic partnerships remains essential to supporting long-term prosperity and stability.
