European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to open office in Nairobi
By Nancy Marende, June 30, 2025The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set to establish its African continental office in Nairobi.
President William Ruto announced on Monday, June 30, 2025, after holding talks with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, in Seville, Spain, on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.
The Head of State revealed that they agreed on a range of engagements, including support for climate financing, promotion of green investments and the convening of an investor conference in Nairobi later in the year.
“Held talks with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso, Seville, Spain, on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development,” he stated.
President Ruto stated that this is a strategic move that will strengthen support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promote Public-Private Partnerships as key drivers of economic growth.
The bank also reaffirmed its alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and proposed a structured, long-term engagement.
Ukraine
This comes moments after President Ruto held bilateral talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, where he committed to strengthening diplomatic ties with Ukraine for the mutual benefit of both nations.
He said Kenya and Ukraine are working on expanding educational opportunities, particularly for its students.
The President noted that Kenya is keen to address food security challenges in partnership with Ukraine.
He said Kenya is exploring ways for Ukraine to use its strategic location to support the regional distribution of key commodities through the port of Mombasa.
He added that the Kenya-Ukraine partnership provides a valuable platform for expanding cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT) and trade, fostering shared growth and development.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional and global stability through peacekeeping, mediation, and multilateral diplomacy, grounded in the United Nations Charter and a rules-based international order.
President Ruto is currently on an official visit to Spain and will later travel to the United Kingdom, where he will sign a renewed Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership aimed at unlocking major investments, creating jobs, and enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness in trade, climate, technology, and security.