President William Ruto has given the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development the green light to establish its African office in Nairobi.
In a statement on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after meeting with the bank’s President, Odile Renaud-Basso, in Seville, Spain, Ruto indicated that the international lender’s presence in the country would greatly impact micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Ruto equally observed that the bank would promote private-public partnerships as a key to driving economic growth in the African region.
“We value our growing partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and welcome the bank’s decision to establish an African office in Nairobi,” Ruto said.
Support to businesses
“This is a strategic move that will enhance support for micro, small and medium enterprises, and promote public-private partnerships as key drivers of economic growth.”
Equally, the head of state indicated that they had sealed a deal with the bank’s president on climate financing, promotion of green investments and the convening of an investor conference in Nairobi later in the year.
“Held talks with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso, Seville, Spain, on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development,” he observed.
“We agreed on a range of engagements, including support for climate financing, promotion of green investments and the convening of an investor conference in Nairobi later in the year.”
The meeting comes just hours after Ruto met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.
Ties with Ukraine
During the meeting, President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s desire to deepen ties with Ukraine in various areas, including education, food security, trade, and technology.
“Kenya remains committed to strengthening diplomatic ties with Ukraine for the mutual benefit of our citizens,” Ruto said.
He expressed particular interest in enhancing educational opportunities for Kenyan students, stating:
“We recognise the importance of expanding educational opportunities, particularly for our students, and welcome deeper collaboration with Ukraine in this area.”
The two leaders also discussed measures to bolster food security, a critical issue for both nations. Ruto noted the potential of using Kenya’s geographical advantage to facilitate the regional distribution of key commodities.
“We are also keen to address food security challenges together and to explore how Ukraine can leverage Kenya’s strategic location to facilitate the regional distribution of key commodities,” he added.
