The European Union and Kenya at a meeting in Brussels strengthened their strategic partnership on trade, digital transformation and sustainable investment to drive mutual economic growth.
As part of this cooperation under the Global Gateway, the EU and Kenya will invest in clean transport and trade facilitation along the strategic Northern Corridor in East Africa and in the roll-out of high-speed connectivity to over 3,000 public offices, schools, health centres and digital hubs across Kenya.
Discussions advanced cooperation under the EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue across key priority areas and welcomed progress in the EU-Kenya data adequacy process, which would facilitate safe data flows between the partners and support digital trade and innovation. The EU noted the positive assessment so far and its intention to conclude the process as soon as possible.
The EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. Both the EU and Kenya stressed the importance of resolving outstanding trade issues and moving towards full implementation of the agreement, so that businesses in the EU and Kenya can benefit fully.
On digital policy, the EU proposed deepening cooperation, especially in artificial intelligence, digital identity and secure connectivity.
Finally, the EU also highlighted its reinforced investment in Kenya under the Global Gatewaystrategy. In this context, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen made a series of announcements:
- €17 million to support the transformation of the strategic Northern Corridor, the busiest in East Africa stretching from Mombasa to Kisangani, into a modern, clean trade and transport route. EU funding will support the development of cold chains for fresh products, the shift from air to sea transport and the simplification of trade rules.
- €15 million for the aerial expansion of Kenya’s national fiber-optic network, extending high-speed connectivity in underserved parts of the country.
- €12 million to advance the digitalisation of land registration, allowing households, farmers and businesses to prove ownership.
- €10 million to support the Digital Transformation Centre in Kenya which supports the digital transformation, including artificial intelligence and creating an enabling policy environment for digital trade and investment to drive innovation, skills and jobs.
- €16 million for refugee camps to transition into integrated communities, recognising Kenya’s stabilising role in a fragile region and its commitment to hosting refugees.
