Kenya is set to receive more than Ksh20 billion in fresh European Union-backed investments targeting the country’s growing digital economy, following discussions held between President William Ruto and top EU officials in Belgium.
The funding package, announced on Monday, June 8, forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen economic and technological ties between Kenya and the European Union. The investments are expected to support internet infrastructure, digital innovation, trade, and job creation, particularly among young people.
Speaking after a meeting with European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, President Ruto said Kenya would benefit from €102 million (about Ksh15.3 billion) under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership programme.
The funds will be directed towards projects aimed at improving digital access across the country, expanding connectivity, and creating new opportunities for businesses operating in the digital space. The investment also aligns with Kenya’s broader push to become a leading technology and innovation centre in Africa.
The announcement comes as Kenya continues to invest heavily in digitisation, with the government rolling out digital public services, supporting technology startups, and positioning the country as a preferred destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services.
Ruto noted that the latest investment demonstrates growing confidence in Kenya’s digital economy and its potential to attract global technology investments.
The President also confirmed that the European Union will provide an additional €37 million, equivalent to approximately KSh5.5 billion, towards the expansion of the Blue Raman submarine cable project along the East African coast.
The undersea cable will link Kenya with Djibouti, Somalia and Tanzania, improving internet capacity and strengthening regional connectivity. Industry experts expect the project to reduce the cost of internet services while improving speeds and reliability for businesses, institutions and consumers.
“We also welcome €37 million in EU support for the Blue Raman submarine cable’s Africa extension connecting Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania,” Ruto said.
Improved connectivity has become a key priority for Kenya as demand for digital services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and online business continues to grow across the region.
Beyond technology, the talks between Kenya and the European Union also focused on trade relations. The two sides reviewed progress made under the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has opened up greater access for Kenyan products to European markets.
According to President Ruto, Kenya’s exports to the European Union have increased by more than 20 per cent since the agreement came into force. The growth has benefited sectors such as agriculture, horticulture and manufacturing, which rely heavily on access to international markets.
The discussions further touched on ongoing cooperation under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, including efforts to advance digital trade, data governance and investment in emerging technologies.
Kenya has increasingly emerged as one of Africa’s strongest digital economies, driven by innovations in mobile money, fintech and online services. The government hopes that continued partnerships with international investors will help create employment opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans entering the labour market each year.
“Our partnership with the European Union continues to unlock investment, drive innovation and advance shared prosperity,” Ruto said.
The latest commitments are expected to further strengthen Kenya’s ambition of becoming a regional technology powerhouse while supporting broader economic growth through digital transformation and expanded trade opportunities.
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