Ruto woos Saudi investors, highlights Kenya’s strategic market access

President William Ruto has invited Saudi Arabian investors to explore business opportunities in Kenya, emphasizing the country’s strategic location, stable economy, and favourable investment climate.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with the leadership of the Federation of Saudi Chambers and its business community, President Ruto assured investors of Kenya’s commitment to facilitating public-private partnerships.

“We already have a legal framework that supports public-private partnerships, enabling investments in both the private and public sectors,” he said.

He added that the government is ready to implement additional measures to enhance Kenya’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

The President highlighted Kenya’s access to key international markets, including the European Union, where businesses can export to 27 countries, and the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free and quota-free exports.

He further pointed out that investors would also benefit from the African market through the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement.

“This presents a great opportunity for Saudi investors to partner with their Kenyan counterparts and serve an even larger market,” Ruto noted.

The Saudi delegation included Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Kenya Khalid Alsalman, Federation of Saudi Chambers Chair Bani Huwayz Hassan Mujib, and Secretary-General Alorainan Waleed Hamad.

Mujib revealed that Saudi Arabia has 50,000 job opportunities for nurses, commending Kenya’s workforce.

“We have excellent and positive experiences with nurses from Kenya,” he said. He also noted a high demand for livestock in Saudi Arabia, numbering in the millions.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged the Saudi business community to capitalize on the strong bilateral relations and Kenya’s proximity to key markets.

Meanwhile, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Erick Rutto announced plans to take 100 Kenyan businesspeople to Saudi Arabia to explore new trade opportunities.