William Ruto Urges Diplomats to Market Kenya as Top Investment Destination

President William Ruto has called on Kenyan ambassadors and high commissioners to actively promote the country as a leading global investment hub and a reliable development partner.

Speaking on March 28 during the opening of the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi, the President emphasized the need for a united and strategic approach in advancing Kenya’s interests on the global stage.

Ruto said diplomats must go beyond simply attracting investors and instead position Kenya as a key player in global economic and development discussions. 

He urged them to confidently showcase the country’s strengths and turn opportunities into real partnerships that benefit citizens.

“As Kenya ambassadors, you are called to present to the world the full breadth of Kenya’s potential, telling our story with conviction and translating that promise into partnerships that deliver real, tangible benefits for the people of Kenya,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also addressed the conference, noting that Kenya’s growing influence should be fully utilized. 

He highlighted the President’s role as Chair of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), saying it gives Kenya a stronger platform to push its national and regional agenda.

Mudavadi added that diplomats must take advantage of this position to strengthen Kenya’s voice globally, especially on key issues such as trade, development, and climate action.

The conference, themed “Retooling Diplomacy in the Age of Intelligence,” focuses on modernizing Kenya’s diplomatic approach in a rapidly changing world.

Ruto further noted that internal reforms must be matched with strong international engagement. 

He pointed out that Kenya is embracing digital transformation in sectors like agriculture, including building a database of over 7.2 million farmers to improve productivity and market access.

The President also revealed that Kenya is in talks with China to secure duty-free access for agricultural products, a move expected to open up one of the world’s largest markets to Kenyan farmers.

He stressed that such opportunities will only be meaningful if the country increases production and fully leverages its potential.