By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Brussels, June 08 ,2026 - President William Ruto has announced European Union-backed investments totalling €139 million (about KSh20.8 billion) aimed at boosting Kenya's digital transformation and expanding broadband connectivity.
Ruto confirmed that the funding includes €102 million (KSh15.3 billion) under the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership, which is expected to support digital infrastructure development, expand internet access and create new opportunities for youth and businesses in the digital economy.
The package also includes €37 million (about KSh5.5 billion) for the Blue Raman submarine cable extension project, which will connect Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania.
The project is expected to strengthen regional internet connectivity, reduce bandwidth costs and improve East Africa’s digital infrastructure.
The investment was announced after President Ruto held talks with European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen on Monday.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Kenya and the European Union in trade, innovation and the digital economy.
“We reviewed the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), under which Kenya’s exports to the European Union have grown by more than 20 per cent since its entry into force, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for our farmers and manufacturers,” Ruto said.
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“We also welcomed progress under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, particularly on the Digital Dialogue and the Data Adequacy process, which will strengthen digital trade, attract investment, and enhance Kenya’s position as a leading digital hub and the world’s 11th-ranked Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination,” he added.
The President is currently in Europe 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.
In Belgium, President Ruto is expected to meet King Philippe and the Minister-President of Flanders, Matthias Diependaele, for discussions on bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
He is also scheduled to hold talks with senior European Union leaders, including European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
A key agenda item will be the implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which grants Kenyan products duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market.