Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has urged Kenyan diplomats to step up efforts to promote the country’s economic and strategic interests abroad, citing improved economic stability and growing investor confidence as a foundation for stronger global engagement.
Speaking during the opening of the 19th Ambassadors’ Conference in Nairobi on Saturday, the President said Kenya is operating from a position of increased strength despite a shifting and uncertain global order marked by rising geopolitical tensions and weakening multilateral systems.
“We meet at a moment of profound change in the global order, an era marked by deep and often unpredictable disruptions,” he said.
Ruto told ambassadors and envoys that Kenya must use its current economic gains to position itself more effectively on the global stage and attract partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes for citizens.
He said the country’s recent economic performance reflects deliberate policy choices made over the past three years.
“By any credible measure – whether economic stability, fiscal discipline, or institutional resilience – the direction is unmistakable. Kenya is not only steady, but it is also on the rise,” he said.
The President noted that Kenya had avoided a projected debt default that affected several African countries, attributing this to reforms that included expenditure controls and the removal of what he described as unsustainable subsidies.
He added that the country’s economy has continued to grow steadily, with gross domestic product estimated at about $136 billion and annual growth at around five per cent.
He said inflation has declined to an average of 4.3 per cent from 9.6 per cent three years ago, while the shilling has stabilised against the dollar. He also pointed to an upgrade of Kenya’s sovereign credit rating by Standard & Poor’s as an indication of improved confidence from global markets.
On investment, Ruto said foreign direct investment inflows grew by 15 per cent in 2025 to exceed $2 billion for the first time.
He added that the recent Kenya International Investment Conference secured commitments worth $2.9 billion across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and technology.
“These investments are expected to generate over 63,000 jobs for our people and to transform lives across our counties,” he said.
The President said more than 300 multinational corporations are currently operating in Kenya, describing this as evidence that investors are backing the country’s economic direction.
He also highlighted progress in key domestic programmes, including health, housing, education and employment. Ruto said more than 30 million Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority as part of efforts to implement universal health coverage.
On housing, he said over 240,000 units are under construction, creating employment for about 640,000 people. In education, the government has hired 100,000 teachers and built more than 23,000 classrooms, alongside reforms in university funding and the transition to a competency-based system.
Ruto further said targeted initiatives have created jobs for more than 1.8 million Kenyans, including through overseas employment programmes. He noted that more than 540,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad, contributing to diaspora remittances that exceeded $5 billion in 2025.
Looking ahead, the President outlined plans to expand infrastructure, energy and water investments to support long-term growth. He said the government aims to build thousands of kilometres of roads, increase energy capacity to at least 10,000 megawatts, and construct dams to improve water security and agricultural productivity.
“These investments will require substantial and sustained financing of at least KSh5 trillion,” he said, adding that a National Infrastructure Fund has been established to mobilise capital.
On foreign policy, Ruto said Kenya will pursue what he described as a principled and pragmatic approach, while remaining committed to multilateralism and advocating reforms to global institutions.
He also announced that Kenya will host two major international meetings later this year, including the Africa-France Summit in May and the Our Ocean Conference in June.
“I expect you, as our ambassadors, to actively facilitate participation, amplify Kenya’s voice, and help build momentum for these two historic engagements,” he said.
Ruto said Kenya will continue to play a role in regional and global peace efforts, including ongoing engagements in Haiti and parts of Africa, while strengthening regional integration and trade across the continent.
