President William Ruto’s UNGA engagements in New York focus on investment, technology and trade opportunities for Kenya. (Photo: capitalfm.africa)
State House outlines proposed energy investments, technology partnerships and market access talks arising from President William Ruto’s engagements in New York.
President William Ruto’s meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York have advanced proposals for energy investment, artificial intelligence partnerships and expanded export markets, according to State House.
In an update on Wednesday reported by Capital FM, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said the engagements were creating investment and employment opportunities for Kenya. The announcements cover projects and partnerships at different stages, including a proposed refinery in Lamu, ongoing trade negotiations and planned international operations in Nairobi.
The government is presenting the engagements as part of its effort to attract investors and strengthen Kenya’s position as a centre for technology, business and international organisations.
Lamu refinery and clean cooking investment
Among the largest proposed projects is the East Africa Refinery in Lamu, whose groundbreaking is planned for September 30 following discussions between Ruto and Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote.
The proposed facility is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily. The government expects it to create employment and support industrial activity, although the update did not specify job numbers.
Ruto also met Africa Finance Corporation chief executive Samaila Zubairu alongside Dangote in New York to discuss the refinery, which has become a prominent part of Kenya’s investment pitch during the visit.
Separately, Kenya has presented a $600 million investment opportunity in clean cooking. The initiative seeks private-sector participation in cleaner cooking technologies and broader access to modern energy, according to the government.
Kenya is scheduled to host the Second Africa Clean Cooking Summit in January 2027, providing another platform for promoting investment in the sector.
AI partnerships and diaspora investment
Technology cooperation is another priority. Mohammed said Kenya was working with Finland on an initiative intended to attract investment, expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and develop skills and opportunities for young people.
Kenya has also joined France, Spain and Australia in promoting a global roadmap on protecting children as artificial intelligence use expands.
In discussions with the United States, the government is seeking deeper cooperation in AI, critical minerals and nuclear energy. State House says these areas could support technology development, investment, skills training and jobs.
For Kenyans abroad, the proposed Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform is intended to link diaspora investors with business and development opportunities at home. The government describes the opportunities as credible and says the initiative is part of a wider push to direct diaspora resources towards productive economic activity.
Trade talks target tea and West African links
Kenya and Pakistan are working towards a free trade agreement, with tea among the products identified as potential beneficiaries of improved market access.
Talks with Ghana and Sierra Leone, meanwhile, are focused on trade, investment and stronger air connections. Those discussions include potential opportunities for Kenya Airways to increase its presence in West Africa.
Direct flights between Nairobi and Freetown are also under consideration. The air connectivity proposals form part of the broader discussions on strengthening commercial ties with the two countries.
Nairobi operations centre and security cooperation
The International Committee of the Red Cross plans to establish a global operations centre in Nairobi, according to State House. The government says the centre would bring international expertise and operations to Kenya and reinforce the capital’s role as a base for international organisations.
Kenya is also expected to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The proposed areas of collaboration include cybercrime, maritime security, border management and drug abuse.
State House says that cooperation would support law enforcement and security capabilities. Across the announcements, several initiatives remain proposals or ongoing negotiations rather than completed investments or operational programmes.
