Ruto makes yet another trip to Europe for deals
By Gastone Valusi and Lucas Barasa, June 30, 2025President William Ruto departs today for official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom, where he will sign a renewed Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership set to unlock major investments, create jobs, and boost Kenya’s global competitiveness in trade, climate, technology, and security.
In London, President Ruto will join UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to sign the renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030.
Anchored on four pillars: trade, climate, technology, and security, the partnership aims to double trade by 2030, equip Kenyans with digital skills, and strengthen cooperation on regional stability, terrorism, cyber threats, and climate action.
Flagship projects
Under the trade and green growth pillar, both countries will prioritise the completion of flagship projects, including the Nairobi Railway City, which is set to transform Nairobi’s Central Business District into a modern, transit-oriented urban hub, a statement from State House said.
The UK has committed to mobilising up to £1.5 billion in new investments across Kenya to drive growth across priority sectors by 2030.
In support of climate action, the two nations will unlock green finance from public, private, and blended sources. The science and technology agenda will invest in Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, supporting start-ups and digitally enabled SMEs, and creating digital jobs, with additional cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
President Ruto will also witness the announcement by Lloyd’s of London to establish a regional underwriting hub in Nairobi under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), positioning Nairobi as a financial gateway for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, he will deliver the keynote address at the Africa Debate, hosted by Invest Africa, a platform to promote Kenya’s economic transformation agenda and attract strategic investment.
Global forum
Prior to his engagements in the United Kingdom, President Ruto will begin his official visit in Seville, Spain, where he will participate in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, a high-level global forum convening world leaders to define new principles for development financing.
He will advocate for reinvigorated multilateralism in a world facing growing uncertainties, geopolitical tensions and crises; from extreme poverty, rising inequalities, and economic turmoil, to climate change and biodiversity loss.
President Ruto will also co-chair a high-level session during the summit and hold talks with several Heads of State and Government, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as clean energy, youth empowerment, and climate resilience.
Meanwhile, Matungulu MP Stephen Mule has asked both President Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki to resign and save the country from further bloodshed.
Mule, who is also a doctor, said the constitution was clear on instances where fresh elections for the Presidency could be conducted and thus President Ruto should stop asking Kenyans how he should ‘go home’.
Speaking at Nguluni Catholic Church on Sunday, the MP said fresh elections could be held if the President died, if the President resigned or if the President was incapable of running the country.
“I want to respond to the President from Matungulu; Kenyans can tell you how to go home,” said Mule.
He said the President could resign under Article 146 of the constitution and pave the way for fresh elections.
“This is the formula of how to go home: you ask your appointed deputy to resign. Once Kindiki resigns, you resign and Kenya will be free to hold fresh elections,” said the lawmaker.
He said the voice of Kenyans was loud enough that the President ‘must go.’
“We want a President who can listen to Kenyans. I want to tell you Ruto resign early. Don’t wait for one term to find you,” he advised.