• Kenya and Italy signed a 2026–2029 action plan to expand cooperation across political, economic, and technological sectors.
• Bilateral trade rose to $315 million in 2025 from $226 million in 2024.
• Italy committed €100 million ($117.6 million) for 2023–2027 cooperation focused on sustainable development.

Kenya and Italy formalized the 2026–2029 action plan on Monday, April 20, in Rome during Kenyan President William Ruto’s official visit. The framework aims to deepen bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

The document outlines stronger political dialogue through regular consultations and enhanced coordination on global issues such as climate, migration, and security. It also promotes investment, trade, and business partnerships, particularly in infrastructure, sustainable energy, agro-industry, vocational training, and tourism.

Joint Press Briefing With Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Rome https://t.co/n0ylPSUmBr

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 20, 2026

An expanded partnership across strategic sectors

The plan prioritizes sustainable development through initiatives targeting food security, agricultural value chains—particularly coffee—water management, and energy transition. It also strengthens cooperation in science, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the space sector.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “We will continue to work together to strengthen Kenya’s infrastructure […] aware of the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” referencing the planned extension of the Blue Island submarine cable linking Asia to Europe via the Mediterranean.

President Ruto said the action plan “will give new impetus” to a relationship spanning more than 60 years, built on investment, trade, and mutual respect, while aligning with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

Italy continues to prioritize Kenya in its development cooperation strategy. The 2023–2027 program allocates an indicative €100 million ($117.6 million) to support sustainable development initiatives. At the same time, Kenya highlights its economic attractiveness, particularly in agriculture, energy—already 93% decarbonized—and technology.

Nairobi positions itself as a regional innovation hub and continues reforms to improve the business climate, notably through the digitalization of investor services.

Bilateral trade reached $315 million in 2025, up from $226 million in 2024, according to the International Trade Centre. Kenya exports mainly coffee, tea, cut flowers, and horticultural products, while Italy supplies industrial machinery, energy equipment, and pharmaceutical products.

Kenya places the highest priority on our strategic partnership with Italy and remains committed to strengthening this collaboration to deliver tangible, long-term benefits for both countries.

Met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Italy. We witnessed the signing of… pic.twitter.com/N7XgmjvzrI

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 20, 2026

President Ruto’s visit also resulted in the signing of eight memorandums of understanding covering climate, land management, the leather industry, digital cooperation with Infratel Italia, defense, research, and innovation. The agreements also include social initiatives such as the “PEACE” project, which focuses on psychological empowerment and professional development.

This article was initially published in French by Charlène N'dimon

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum