Kenya targets $750m industrial investment as Ruto uses UNGA to push economic diplomacy

NAIROBI, Kenya - President William Ruto utilized the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to promote Kenya's economic diplomacy efforts, with the aim of attracting $750 million in industrial investment. The investment opportunities are associated with a new United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) programme and discussions regarding an East African refinery.

The UNGA High-Level Week saw President Ruto focus on attracting development finance, enhancing Kenya's status as a regional financial hub, and transitioning Kenya away from raw-material exports towards manufacturing and value addition. The Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs announced a Country Partnership Programme for 2026-2030 signed by Kenya and UNIDO, which includes industrial investment, technology transfer, manufacturing, enterprise development, and jobs.

Kenya's participation in the programme is aimed at advancing national interests while contributing to global peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, and multilateral reform. At the UNGA, Ruto discussed a proposed East African refinery and the establishment of an African Finance Corporation regional office in Nairobi, both of which further bolster Nairobi's ambition to become a regional financial, investment, and diplomatic hub.

Kenya also sought to advance international cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and responsible AI through various international partnerships. Kenya signed a Host Country Agreement for the establishment of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa East African Regional Office in Nairobi and established diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands.

Additionally, Kenya engaged in climate diplomacy, advanced Africa's clean-cooking agenda, and unveiled the Kenya Diaspora Investment Platform as a proposed digital platform for diaspora engagement.