President William Ruto has called for enhanced security cooperation between Kenya and the European Union, citing growing threats across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
Ruto says Kenya is strengthening preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding and is seeking deeper collaboration with the EU in maritime security, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts.
Speaking at State House during a meeting with European Union officials, the President said the partnership should deliver tangible outcomes, anchored in mutual respect and equitable cooperation.
He also called for stronger collaboration in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, while reaffirming Kenya's commitment to the rule of law and accountability.
The President highlighted trade as a key pillar of the relationship, noting that the EU remains Kenya's largest export market, accounting for 21 per cent of the country's global exports, including coffee, tea and flowers.
He called for expanded trade and development cooperation, digital transformation and stronger regional engagement, particularly through an enhanced East African Community-EU partnership.
On financial reforms, Ruto said Kenya had addressed 13 of the 21 strategic deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force, adding that the country was seeking EU cooperation to complete the remaining reforms and secure its removal from the EU's high-risk list.
He also welcomed the EU Election Observation Mission ahead of Kenya's upcoming General Election, saying the country remained committed to credible electoral processes.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi welcomed the partnership, noting that closer cooperation between Kenya and the EU was important amid shifting global dynamics, evolving geopolitical interests and emerging economic and security challenges.
Mudavadi said the changing international environment presented an opportunity for Kenya and the European Union to deepen their engagement, strengthen existing areas of cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration.
The meeting was also attended by 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 (EEAS).
More than 40 EU ambassadors serving across the African continent are in Nairobi for the Regional Seminar of Heads of European Union Delegations to African countries.
The meeting comes as Kenya and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, dating back to the establishment of the European Community Delegation in Nairobi in 1976.
