President William Ruto has sought the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) support for various infrastructure projects, including road construction, energy generation, and the development of the nation’s ports and airports.
During a meeting with a delegation from Sharjah, UAE, led by Abdulla Sultan Al Owais, the chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ruto revealed that discussions focused on projects such as the government’s aim to increase Kenya’s energy generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts within seven years and to build 1,500 km of dual carriageway.
The Head of State also requested the UAE’s assistance in constructing 10,000 km of tarmac roads, expanding ports and airports, and developing 50 mega dams via public-private partnerships, with the aim of enhancing irrigation and food security.
The meeting, which took place at State House in Nairobi on Monday November 10, also explored partnership opportunities in ICT, digital and creative sectors, in which Kenya’s youth would play a key role.
“Hosted a delegation from Sharjah, UAE, led by Abdulla Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, to advance discussions on expanding trade and investment between our two nations,” Ruto noted.
“Our talks focused on deepening investment partnerships in infrastructure and energy, including projects to expand Kenya’s energy generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts in the next seven years, dual 1,500km of highways, build 10,000km of tarmac roads, expand ports and airports, and develop 50 mega dams through public-private partnerships to boost irrigation and food security,” he added.
As per Ruto, the partnerships will lead to enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
In 2024, the value of Kenya-UAE trade was $3.2 billion (Ksh413.4 billion), with imports from the UAE accounting for $2.5 billion (Ksh323 billion). Exports from Kenya into the UAE were listed at $759 million (Ksh98 billion).
Imports were heavily influenced by petroleum products and other energy-related goods. On the other hand, exports included minerals, meat, fruits, flowers, among others.
Expansion of JKIA
The latest builds on Ruto’s renewed charm offensive with the Middle East, as he also recently held talks with the Emir of Qatar on the expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The talks, which were held during the World Summit for Social Development, saw Ruto engage Qatar’s leader on his nation’s potential involvement in the upgrade, renovation, and expansion of JKIA.
While announcing the news on Tuesday, November 4, Ruto disclosed that the cost of the upgrade would be Ksh200 billion, stressing the need for external financing.
During his stay in Qatar, Ruto also managed to get 13,000 new jobs for youth, which will be complemented by a new Qatari visa center to ease the movement of Kenyan workers under the government’s labour mobility program.
