By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, November 24 ,2025 -President William Ruto has called on Malaysian companies to invest and participate in bids for public-private partnerships (PPPs) on road expansion projects, aiming to dual 2,500 kilometres of major highways and construct an additional 28,000 kilometres of tarmacked roads over the next decade.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President Ruto acknowledged Malaysia's economic progress, which he affirmed is an inspiration to Kenya.
“I have invited the Malaysian private sector to participate in public-private partnerships, including investments in road network expansion. Some of your big engineering companies are welcome to work with us as we expand our highways by another 2,500 km and another 28,000 kilometres of road around Kenya. There will be opportunities for public-private partnerships. There will be opportunities for investment,” the president said.
President Ruto also confirmed that Kenya and Malaysia have agreed to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, boosting two-way trade in digital technology and high-tech manufacturing—a move set to usher in border-free trade between the two countries.
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“We are walking in the footsteps of Malaysia to diversify our economy and export manufactured goods to America and many other destinations. We will catch up soon.”
Noting the great economic growth achieved within 60 years in one of Asia’s giant economies, President Ruto vowed to follow Malaysia’s footsteps and catch up with an economy that he termed “20 times larger than Kenya’s.”
“Malaysia’s remarkable transformation from an agricultural economy to one of the leading Asian economic giants offers valuable lessons for Kenya as we pursue our own development and industrialisation agenda.
His Excellency's visit reaffirms the vast potential that exists when nations share a vision, exchange expertise, and work together for the prosperity of their people. It brings home what we can achieve through partnership, solidarity, and mutual trust,” the Head of State said. Prime Minister Anwar visited the country on Sunday and was accorded full military honours, receiving a ceremonial welcome at State House, Nairobi.
