State House says Ruto’s New York meetings have opened investment opportunities, with a Lamu refinery groundbreaking planned and trade negotiations advancing.
President William Ruto’s engagements at the United Nations General Assembly in New York have advanced plans for a refinery in Lamu, artificial intelligence partnerships and trade negotiations, State House has said.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said on Wednesday that the meetings were generating opportunities for investment, employment and access to new markets. The announcements span energy, technology, diaspora investment and security, although several remain proposed projects or negotiations rather than completed agreements.
Lamu refinery and clean cooking investment
A groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed East Africa Refinery in Lamu 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 jobs and support industrial activity, making it one of the major investment projects promoted during the President’s UNGA programme.
Ruto also met Africa Finance Corporation Chief Executive Officer Samaila Zubairu alongside Dangote in New York to discuss the refinery.
Separately, Kenya has presented a $600 million clean cooking investment opportunity as it prepares to host the Second Africa Clean Cooking Summit in January 2027. The government says the initiative seeks to draw private capital into cleaner cooking solutions and broaden access to modern energy.
AI cooperation and protection for children
Technology partnerships form another part of the President’s agenda. Mohammed said Kenya was advancing an initiative with Finland 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 for protecting children as artificial intelligence becomes more widely used.
In engagements with the United States, the government is seeking closer cooperation on AI, critical minerals and nuclear energy. State House identified those sectors as potential sources of investment, technological development, skills and employment.
Diaspora investment and Nairobi operations centre
The government has also outlined plans for the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform, intended to connect Kenyans abroad with investment, business and development opportunities at home.
State House describes the opportunities to be offered through the platform as credible. The initiative is part of efforts to direct more diaspora resources towards productive economic activities in Kenya.
Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross is planning to establish a global operations centre in Nairobi. State House says the proposed centre would bring international operations and expertise into the country, reinforcing the capital’s position as a base for international organisations.
Trade talks and security partnerships
Kenya and Pakistan are working towards a free trade agreement, with tea among the products identified as likely to gain from wider market access.
Discussions with Ghana and Sierra Leone are focused on expanding trade, investment and air connectivity. They include potential opportunities for Kenya Airways to increase its presence in West Africa, as well as the possibility of direct flights between Nairobi and Freetown.
On security, Kenya and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are expected to deepen cooperation on cybercrime, maritime security, border control and drug abuse. The government says the partnership is intended to strengthen law enforcement and security capabilities.
Together, the initiatives form part of Ruto’s effort to position Kenya as an investment and technology hub. Their implementation will involve further work on the proposed projects, partnerships and market-access negotiations outlined by State House.
