By Mumo Judah, June 9, 2026
President William Ruto on Tuesday held bilateral talks with Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Oslo as Kenya moves to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen partnerships with European countries.
The meeting, held at the Government Guest House in the Norwegian capital, formed part of President Ruto’s ongoing three-nation European tour, which includes Belgium, Norway and Finland, and is aimed at attracting investment, expanding market opportunities for Kenyan products and advancing cooperation on climate action and renewable energy.
According to the Kenyan delegation, discussions between the two leaders focused on enhancing economic relations, increasing trade, and exploring new areas of investment that could boost economic growth and create jobs.
The engagement comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to position itself as a regional hub for trade, logistics and green energy while reducing dependence on traditional sources of financing.
President Ruto said the two countries share common priorities on sustainable development and climate action and expressed optimism that stronger economic ties would unlock opportunities for businesses and young people.
“We held productive discussions on strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade and exploring investment opportunities that will support growth and create jobs,” President Ruto said following the meeting.
Part of the discussions also centered on maritime cooperation and Kenya’s ambitions to tap into opportunities in the blue economy. The talks complement separate engagements President Ruto has held with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, where plans are underway to facilitate employment opportunities for more than 1,000 Kenyan seafarers in the global shipping industry.
Kenya has increasingly been pursuing partnerships aimed at expanding its maritime sector, with the government viewing shipping, fisheries and port services as key drivers of economic growth.
Climate change and renewable energy also featured prominently during the talks, reflecting the shared commitment by both countries to green development and sustainable financing. Norway is among the world’s leading investors in renewable energy and has been actively supporting climate financing initiatives across Africa.
President Ruto began his European tour on June 7 with the objective of strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with European partners, attracting foreign direct investment and promoting Kenyan exports.
His meeting with Stoltenberg also brought together two leaders with strong international profiles. Before returning to Norwegian politics, Stoltenberg served as Secretary General of NATO from 2014 to 2024 and was appointed Norway’s Minister of Finance in February 2025, where he oversees the country’s economic policy and management of its sovereign wealth fund.
The Norwegian visit follows President Ruto’s recent engagements with European Union officials in Brussels, where Kenya secured fresh investments under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership and held discussions aimed at expanding trade and technological cooperation.
State House said the European tour underscores Kenya’s broader strategy of building international partnerships that support economic transformation, climate resilience and employment creation.
