Ruto leaves for state visits to Belgium, Finland and Norway
By Faith Lagat, June 7, 2026President William Ruto has departed for a multi-country tour of Europe aimed at attracting investment, expanding market access for Kenyan products, and strengthening economic partnerships with key European nations.
The visit will take him to Belgium, Norway, and Finland, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with political leaders, engage investors, and participate in business forums focused on trade, manufacturing, technology, clean energy, and value addition.
According to a press release dated June 7, 2026, the tour forms part of Kenya’s efforts to deepen economic diplomacy and create opportunities for exports, investment and job creation.
“President William Ruto departs this afternoon for official visits to Belgium and Norway and a state visit to Finland aimed at attracting investment, expanding market access for Kenyan products and strengthening partnerships that boost exports, create jobs and drive economic growth,” read the statement in part.
Focus on trade, exports, and investment
In Belgium, President Ruto is scheduled to meet King Philippe and Mr Matthias Diependaele, minister-president of Flanders, to discuss ways of strengthening trade and investment cooperation between Kenya and Belgium.
The president will also hold discussions with business leaders on opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and value addition. These sectors remain central to Kenya’s strategy of increasing exports and attracting foreign direct investment.
A key part of the Belgium visit will involve meetings with European Union leaders, including European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The discussions are expected to focus on the implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which grants Kenyan products duty-free and quota-free access to the European market. The agreement is expected to benefit exporters in sectors such as tea, coffee, cut flowers, horticulture and other value-added products.
Business forums in Norway and Finland
In Norway, President Ruto will meet Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and hold an audience with Crown Prince Haakon. He is also expected to participate in the Kenya-Norway Business Forum, bringing together investors and business leaders from both countries.
The forum will focus on areas including renewable energy, electric mobility, climate-smart agriculture, the blue economy and other sectors linked to sustainable economic growth.
State visit to Finland
The European tour will conclude with a state visit to Finland at the invitation of President Alexander Stubb. The visit follows President Stubb’s State Visit to Kenya in May 2025 and is expected to strengthen cooperation in education, technology, digitisation, clean energy, environmental sustainability, health, peace and security.
President Ruto will also attend the Kenya-Finland Business Forum, which will explore opportunities in innovation, manufacturing, clean energy and technology.
While in Finland, he is scheduled to participate in the Kuntaranta Talks, an international foreign and security policy forum that brings together leaders and policymakers to discuss global challenges and opportunities.
The visit comes as Kenya continues to pursue export-led growth, strengthen international partnerships and attract investment to support economic development and job creation.