President William Ruto on Tuesday, February 21, revealed a deal he made with the European Union Business Council in the run up to the August 2022, General Election.
Ruto met the Council on February 15, 2022, and shared his vision of what he would do should he be elected as president.
While attending the EU-Kenya Business Forum held at Nairobi County, the President divulged the intricacies of the deal he sealed back then.
“A year ago, I engaged the EU Business Council and shared my vision of the business environment and rule of the game.
“I expressed my commitment with regard to the institutionalization of our government and sound institutional quality and rule of the law,” the President explained the deal's scope.
The agreement was made in regard to revenue collection, judiciary and police reforms according to the Head of State.
“I wish to confirm to you that I have made progress in implementing those undertakings,” he assured the EU delegation attending the forum.
The President announced that he had made revenue collection streamlined and appealing to investors.
“Our revenue authority is now arbitrary and more rational in executing its mandate. It now pursues alternative dispute resolution with a firm and fair focus in optimizing revenue collection and providing a customer-sensitive service to everyone,” he spoke on the progress.
The President further revealed how reforms in the police sector had created a conducive environment for investors.
“The Inspector General of Police is now an accounting officer making the police force independent in handling all matters to do with the security of property and life of Kenyans and investors,” he explained how he held his part of the bargain.
Ruto further revealed that the February 2022 meeting had discussed the need to reform the Judiciary so as to encourage investors from the crucial EU bloc.
“We are supporting the Judiciary to reach people at the grassroots by establishing courts across the country as a mechanism of easing the way of doing business and making sure disputes are resolved promptly,” he updated the EU delegates on the progress.
The EU-Kenya Business Forum seeks to highlight economic opportunities in the Kenyan market and find a market for small scale investors in Kenya who would want to export their goods to the EU.
Among areas that will benefit include; Agriculture, Opportunities in digitalization, Agro-processing, Health sector, Waste Management, Construction, E-mobility and Urban infrastructure, Logistics and Freight, Renewable Energy, Water, and Finance and support for investment and Trade.
