By Mumo Judah
June 8, 2026
Kenya has secured fresh investments worth €102 million (approximately KSh15.3 billion) under the European Union-Kenya Digital Partnership, in a major boost expected to accelerate digital transformation, expand connectivity and create new opportunities for businesses and young people.
President William Ruto announced the new investments following talks with Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen, as the two leaders reviewed progress in economic cooperation, trade, innovation and the digital economy between Kenya and the European Union.
The new funding comes amid Kenya’s push to position itself as a regional technology powerhouse and strengthen its standing as one of the world’s leading destinations for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The government has been seeking increased foreign investments to support digital infrastructure, enhance internet connectivity and create employment opportunities for the country’s growing youthful population.
In addition to the €102 million investment package, Kenya and the European Union welcomed €37 million in EU support for the African extension of the Blue Raman submarine cable. The project will link Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, and is expected to improve internet connectivity, lower bandwidth costs and reinforce Kenya’s status as a key digital gateway for East Africa.
President Ruto said the investments demonstrate the growing strategic relationship between Kenya and the European Union and their shared commitment to fostering economic growth through technology and innovation.
“We welcome €102 million in new investments under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership to accelerate digital transformation, expand connectivity and create opportunities for our youth and businesses. We also welcome €37 million in EU support for the Blue Raman submarine cable’s Africa extension connecting Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, which will strengthen connectivity, lower bandwidth costs and reinforce Kenya’s position as a leading regional digital hub,” said President Ruto.
The Head of State noted that discussions with Virkkunen focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, innovation and the digital economy, which have increasingly become central pillars of Kenya-EU relations.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which came into force to facilitate increased market access for Kenyan goods into Europe. According to President Ruto, the agreement has already yielded significant gains for the country.
“We reviewed the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, 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,” he said.
Kenya and the European Union further welcomed progress under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, particularly the Digital Dialogue and the ongoing Data Adequacy process, initiatives aimed at strengthening digital trade, enhancing data governance and attracting more international investment into the country’s technology sector.
President Ruto said the progress made under the partnership would further cement Kenya’s position as a leading digital hub and strengthen its reputation as the world’s 11th-ranked Business Process Outsourcing destination.
“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 destination,” he said.
The President added that Kenya’s partnership with the European Union continues to unlock investment opportunities, drive innovation and advance shared prosperity between the two partners.
The European Union remains one of Kenya’s largest trading partners and development allies, with cooperation spanning agriculture, manufacturing, climate action, infrastructure, governance and digital transformation. Analysts say the latest investments are likely to further strengthen Kenya’s ambition of becoming a regional technology and innovation powerhouse while expanding access to global digital markets.
