President Ruto Secures Sh15.3 Billion EU Digital Fund to Accelerate Kenya’s Digital Economy
The agreement, signed in Brussels under the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership, is expected to boost internet access, innovation, job creation and technology investment while strengthening Kenya’s position as Africa’s emerging digital hub.
President William Ruto during high-level meetings in Brussels, Belgium, where he secured a €102 million (Sh15.3 billion) EU digital funding package and additional support for regional internet connectivity projects. Photo/Courtesy
By Emmanuel Kipkorir
President William Ruto has locked in a big digital investment package worth €102 million, about Sh15.3 billion, from the European Union to push Kenya’s digital transformation agenda and help strengthen economic growth that’s innovation-led, if that makes sense.
The funding deal was signed under the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership during President Ruto’s trip to Brussels, Belgium. In the meetings, they talked a lot about making trade easier, technology ties, connectivity, and investment cooperation between Kenya and the European Union.
It is expected the investment will widen internet reach, back emerging technology enterprises, open employment openings for young innovators, and also improve the way digital services are delivered across the country as Kenya moves with its target of becoming Africa’s leading technology hub.
While speaking during the high-level sessions, President Ruto said the arrangement shows a global view that is shifting, about Africa’s role in economic development and innovation.
“For too long, that relationship has rested on a misunderstanding. Africa has been seen as a problem to be managed. It is not, and it has never been. Africa is an opportunity to be harnessed,” he said, basically.
The President also stressed that Africa is becoming more and more central to tackling tough issues in the world, including food security, energy access, climate action, and population growth.
“On the defining challenges of our time—food, energy, climate and demography—Africa is, in fact, a significant part of the solution,” Ruto added.
Then, as another regional nudge for digital infrastructure, the President announced extra €37 million, roughly Sh5.58 billion, to support the Blue Raman submarine cable project. The undersea cable is set to connect Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, and this should boost internet connectivity as well as cut bandwidth costs around the region.
The project is expected to strengthen digital infrastructure, help e-commerce take off, widen chances for remote work, and improve access to digital financial services.
Kenya, meanwhile, has been showing up as one of Africa’s quickest-growing digital economies, helped by innovations in mobile money, fintech, and a lively technology startup ecosystem, which is why people also call it “Silicon Savannah.”
On the visit, President Ruto also held discussions with Henna Virkkunen, on deepening cooperation in trade, technology and innovation.
And he used the moment to invite global investors to look at opportunities in Kenya, calling out the country’s strategic place as a bridge for African and international markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Come and build with us. Make it in Kenya. Make it in Africa. Make it clean,” Ruto said as he pitched Kenya as a preferred place for investment.
If all commitments are rolled out fully, the new funding packages are expected to boost Kenya’s position as a major digital hub in the region, pulling in technology investment, driving innovation, and creating fresh economic openings for millions of Kenyans.
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