ITALY, Rome — William Ruto has pitched Kenya as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations, urging Italian businesses to expand their footprint in the country amid growing economic and strategic ties.
Speaking at the Italy–Kenya Business Forum in Rome on Monday, the President highlighted Kenya’s macroeconomic stability, renewable energy capacity and investor protections as key advantages for foreign capital.
“If you are looking for a destination where your investment has a reduced carbon footprint, Kenya has 93% of its footprint as renewable energy. If you are looking at de-carbonising your companies and investments Kenya is the best place to deploy them,” he said.
Ruto described Kenya as one of Africa’s largest economies, pointing to stable inflation, averaging around 4% in recent years, and a relatively steady exchange rate as indicators of resilience.
The country remains a key gateway to East and Central Africa, supported by its financial services sector, logistics infrastructure and regional trade links under blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are a robustly democratic country. You can count on the Kenyan Judicial system to protect your investment. We have worked on the protection of investment treaty between Kenya and Italy and also on the avoidance of double taxation.”
Kenya’s energy mix, dominated by geothermal, hydro, wind and solar, has increasingly become a central pillar in its investment pitch, particularly to European partners seeking to meet climate and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets.
Analysts note that Kenya is among Africa’s leaders in renewable energy penetration, positioning it as an attractive destination for green manufacturing and sustainable industrialisation.
The President also emphasised Kenya’s workforce, describing it as a critical asset for investors.
“We have one of the best human capital anywhere in the world. If you want hardworking and intelligent people, you will find them in Kenya. We have one of the best education systems in the world,” he noted.
He added that partnerships with Italian institutions are already supporting technical skills development, particularly in vocational training aligned to industry needs.
According to the President, nearly 50 major Italian firms are currently operating in Kenya, spanning sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and agribusiness.
A key development is the expansion of the Med-Or Italian Foundation, which opened its first African office in Nairobi earlier this year.
The foundation is expected to serve as a strategic hub for fostering collaboration in innovation, education and business development between the two countries.
“We are tapping into Italian equipment for our technical training students so that we sharpen their skills and ensure they are ready for business,” President Ruto added.
Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, welcomed the partnership, describing Africa as central to Italy’s foreign and economic policy.
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“Africa is a fundamental continent that has proven to show great interest in Italy, and we cannot disregard this request for friendship and the attention the continent has shown to us,” Minister Tajani said.
The two countries are implementing a three-year cooperation framework focusing on trade, technology transfer, education, defence and security.
Kenya’s renewed investment push comes amid intensifying competition among African economies to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly from Europe and Asia.
Governments are increasingly leveraging green energy, digital infrastructure and skilled labour as differentiators, while also strengthening legal frameworks to reassure investors.
For Kenya, officials argue that combining political stability, regional access and sustainability credentials could position it as a preferred entry point into African markets.
